Bureau of Justice Statistics State Court Organization 1998 · Court structure. This file represents one section (Part 2) of the report. The full rep ... Alaska Supreme Court, Court

State Court Organization1998

Bureau of Justice Statistics

U.S. Department of JusticeOffice of Justice Programs

Victim-offender relationship in violent crimes (rape/sexual assault, robbery, and assault) by sex of victim

Courts and judgesJudicial selection and serviceJudicial branchAppellate courtsTrial courtsThe juryThe sentencing contextCourt structure

BJS

This file represents one section (Part 2) of the report. The full report and other sections are available from http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/sco98.htm. This report is one in a series. More recent editions may be available. To view a list of all in the series go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pubalp2.htm#sco

PART II: Judicial selection and service

Judicial selection and service 19

How judges are selected and their terms of service onthe bench differ sharply between the federal and statecourts, and the differences among states are often nearlyas significant. All federal judges are nominated by thePresident and serve “during good behavior” onceconfirmed by the U.S. Senate unless they resign or areimpeached and convicted by the U.S. Congress. Statecourt judges are likely to face an election as a part oftheir selection process and to serve fixed terms, whichfor COLR justices range between six and 14 years (15years in the District of Columbia). Only Rhode Islandoffers appellate judges lifetime appointments, while thejudges of the New Hampshire and MassachusettsSupreme Courts serve until age 70.

Judicial selection occurs for three purposes in the statecourts: to fill an unexpired term upon the retirement,resignation, or death of an incumbent judge; to select fora full term (often referred to as the initial selection); andat the end of a term. Table 4 describes the various waysin which appellate justices and judges are selected, whileTable 7 describes procedures for selecting trial courtjudges. The resulting national picture can besummarized by reference to the nature of the selectionprocess for general jurisdiction judges shown below.1

Initial Term Subsequent TermsAppointment: 648(52.1%)Partisan Election: 421(33.9%)Non-partisan Election:174 (14.0%)

Appointment: 199 (16.4%)Partisan Election: 326(26.7%)Non-partisan Election: 174(14.3%)Retention Elections Only:518 (42.6%)

One marker for examining the diverse selection methodsadopted by the states is the “Missouri Plan.” In 1940 theState of Missouri amended its constitution to establish astatewide nominating committee for appellate judgeshipsand circuit-level commissions for general jurisdiction trialcourt judgeships. A judge, representatives of the statebar association, and nonlawyers appointed by thegovernor make up the commissions. The governor mustappoint one of a commission’s three nominees to fill avacancy. The new appointee then faces a retentionelection in one year’s time, running against his or herown record, and then further retention elections at 12-year intervals. Thirty-nine states use some form ofjudicial nominating commission in judicial selection,which became popular in the 1970s (Table 9), althoughonly 16 combine such a commission with retentionelections on the Missouri model.

1 American Bar Association, Report and Recommendations ofthe Task Force on Lawyers' Political Contributions: Part Two. Washington, DC: ABA, 1998.

All appellate courts and most trial courts have a chiefjudge. Table 4 explains how chief justices and chiefjudges of COLRs and IACs are selected in each state. The length of their term in office and whether they cansucceed themselves can be found in Table 5. How trialcourt chief judges (sometimes styled presiding judges)are selected is also detailed in Table 5. The judges in adistrict or circuit typically select one of their peers toserve as the chief judge for a fixed number of years, butthe appointment may be made at the state level by thegovernor, Chief Justice of the COLR, or the COLRcollectively. In some instances a specific individual iselected or appointed as the chief judge and holds thattitle throughout his or her tenure. In other trial courts,seniority establishes who is the chief judge.

Qualifications for service as a judge are stated in theconstitutions and statutes of the various states. Tables 6and 8 indicate the qualifications in terms of residency,age, and legal credentials that are mandated forappellate and trial court judgeships, respectively. Inaddition to specifying the legal credentials, if any,necessary to qualify for judicial selection, many statesrequire judges to participate in some form of legaleducation beyond the Continuing Legal Educationexpected of all members of the state bar. Mandatoryjudicial education is accomplished through a wide rangeof judicial branch and private entities and is paid for by avariety of funding sources (Table 10).

Eighteen states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,and the Navajo Nation make formal provisions for anongoing evaluation of judicial performance. States withretention elections for judges are the most likely toevaluate performance, but states with nonpartisanelections do so as well (Michigan, Minnesota, andTennessee), as do many with a system of judicialappointments (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts,New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, andVermont). Table 11 indicates for these and other stateswith performance evaluation structures the implementingauthority, the body responsible for operating theprogram, the evaluation procedures, the evaluatingcommittee duties, and evaluation committeemembership.

Formal judicial discipline is accomplished throughregional judicial councils in the federal system (underThe Judicial Councils Reform and Judicial Conduct andDisability Act of 1980). The Councils investigatecomplaints of any “conduct prejudicial to the effectiveand expeditious administration of the business of thecourts.” However, the Councils’ disciplinary powers stopshort of removal from office. Removal is the sole

20 State Court Organization, 1998

prerogative of the U.S. Congress. A Council can certify afinding that impeachment is warranted to the U.S. Houseof Representatives.

Judicial conduct organizations are the main arbiters ofwhat constitutes judicial misconduct and disability in thestates. Conduct organizations investigate complaintsagainst members of the judiciary, and typically include amix of judges, lawyers, and ordinary citizens. Theadjudicatory function is usually exercised by the COLR,although sometimes the original conduct organizationboth investigates and adjudicates complaints. In suchinstances there is a right of appeal to the state’s COLR. The name and composition of the states' conductorganizations are shown in Table 12. The table alsoindicates which court or other entity adjudicatescomplaints, hears appeals, has final disciplinaryauthority, and at what point reprimands are made public.

Select Bibliography:

American Bar Association, Report andRecommendations of the Task Force on Lawyers’Political Contributions: Part Two. Washington, DC:ABA, 1998.

Philip J. Dubois, From Ballot to Bench: Judicial Electionsand the Quest for Accountability. Austin, TX:University of Texas Press, 1980.

Doris Marie Provine, Judging Credentials: NonlawyerJudges and the Politics of Professionalism, Chicago:University of Chicago Press, 1986.

Judith Rosenbaum, Practices and Procedures of StateJudicial Conduct Organizations, Chicago: AmericanJudicature Society, 1990.

Lyle Warrick, Judicial Selection in the United States: ACompendium of Provisions, Second Edition, Chicago:American Judicature Society, 1993.

Mary Volcansek, Judicial Impeachment: None Called forJustice, Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1993[offers a general historical account, but focuses onfederal impeachment proceedings during the 1980sand its relationship to judicial discipline in the federalcourt system].

Table 11:Susan Keilitz and Judith White McBride, “Revised Chart

for ‘Judicial Performance Evaluation Comes of Age,’ ”State Court Journal Vol. 16, No. 3, Summer, 1992. [Supporting text can be found in the State CourtJournal, Vol. 16, No. 1, Winter, 1992.

Table 4. Selection of Appellate Court Judges


Method of selectionfor unexpired term

Method of selectionfor full term Method of retention

Geographic basisfor selection

AlabamaSupreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals,Court of Civil Appeals

Gubernatorial appointment Partisan election Partisan election Statewide

AlaskaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Same as full term Gubernatorial appointment

from judicial nominatingcommission

Retention election1 Statewide

ArizonaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment


Gubernatorial appointmentfrom judicial nominatingcommission

Retention election Statewide (Supreme Court)County/region within division(Court of Appeals)

ArkansasSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment Partisan election Partisan election Statewide (Supreme Court)

District (Court of Appeals)

CaliforniaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment Unopposed retention election Unopposed retention

electionStatewide (Supreme Court)District (Courts of Appeal)

ColoradoSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment



Retention election Statewide

ConnecticutSupreme Court, Appellate Court Legislative appointment2 Legislative appointment2 Legislative appointment2 Statewide

DelawareSupreme Court Gubernatorial appointment

from judicial nominatingcommission with consent ofsenate

Gubernatorial appointmentfrom judicial nominatingcommission with consent ofsenate

Gubernatorialappointment from judicialnominating commissionwith consent of senate

Statewide

District of ColumbiaCourt of Appeals Presidential appointment from

judicial nominating commissionwith senate confirmation

Presidential appointment fromjudicial nominating commissionwith senate confirmation

Judicial nominatingcommission orPresidential appointmentwith senate confirmation

District of Columbia

FloridaSupreme Court, District Courts of Appeal Gubernatorial appointment



Retention election Regional (5) Statewide (2)Regional based on DistrictCourts of Appeal(Supreme Court)District(District Courts of Appeal)

GeorgiaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment


Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election Statewide

HawaiiSupreme Court, Intermediate Court ofAppeals

Gubernatorial appointmentfrom judicial nominatingcommission with consent ofsenate for a full term


Judicial nominationcommission reappoints

Statewide

IdahoSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment








IllinoisSupreme Court, Appellate Court Court selection

(Supreme Court)Partisan election Retention election District

COLR selection(Appellate Court)

IndianaSupreme Court, Tax Court, Court ofAppeals



Retention election Statewide(Supreme Court, Tax Court)District(Court of Appeals)

IowaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment




KansasSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment




KentuckySupreme Court, Court of Appeals Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election District

LouisianaSupreme Courts, Court of Appeals Supreme Court selection3 Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election District

MaineSupreme Judicial Court Gubernatorial appointment Gubernatorial appointment Gubernatorial

reappointmentStatewide

MarylandCourt of Appeals, Court of Special Appeals Gubernatorial appointment



Retention election Circuit

MassachusettsSupreme Judicial Court, Appeals Court 4 Gubernatorial appointment

from judicial nominatingcommission with approval byGovernor’s council5

6 Statewide

MichiganSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election Statewide

(Supreme Court)District(Court of Appeals)

MinnesotaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election Statewide

MississippiSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election District

MissouriSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment



Retention election Statewide(Supreme Court)District(Court of Appeals)

MontanaSupreme Court Gubernatorial appointment


Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election(if unopposed, retentionelection)

Statewide






NebraskaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment



Retention election Statewide: chief justices;district: associate justices(Supreme Court)All by district(Court of Appeals)

NevadaSupreme Court Gubernatorial appointment



New HampshireSupreme Court Same as full term Gubernatorial appointment with

approval of elected executivecouncil

Gubernatorialreappointment

Statewide

New JerseySupreme Court, Superior Court-AppellateDivision

Gubernatorial appointment Gubernatorial appointment withconsent of senate (SupremeCourt)Chief Justice designation ofSuperior court judge (SuperiorCourt, Appellate Division)

Gubernatorialreappointment withconsent of senate(Supreme Court) Annualassignment by the ChiefJustice (Superior Court,Appellate Division)7

Statewide

New MexicoSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment8 Partisan election Nonpartisan retention

electionStatewide

New YorkCourt of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment



Gubernatorialreappointment withconsent of senate

Statewide

Supreme Court, Appellate Divisions Gubernatorial appointment Gubernatorial appointment Gubernatorialreappointment

Statewide9

North CarolinaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment Partisan election Partisan election Statewide

North DakotaSupreme Court Gubernatorial appointment

from judicial nominatingcommission or elections10


OhioSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election Statewide

(Supreme Court)Appellate District(Court of Appeals)

OklahomaSupreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals,Court of Civil Appeals


Retention election See full term District

OregonSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election Statewide

PennsylvaniaSupreme Court, Superior Court,Commonwealth Court

Gubernatorial appointment withconsent of senate

Partisan election Retention election Statewide

Rhode IslandSupreme Court Gubernatorial appointment


Life tenure Life tenure Statewide






South CarolinaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Legislative election Legislative election Legislative election

(Supreme Court)Legislative reelection(Court of Appeals)

Statewide

South DakotaSupreme Court Gubernatorial appointment


Retention election Retention election Initial District Retention-Statewide

TennesseeSupreme Court, Court Appeals, Court ofCriminal Appeals


Retention election Nonpartisan election Statewide

TexasSupreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals,Court of Appeals

Gubernatorial appointment Partisan election Partisan election Statewide(Supreme Court, Court ofCriminal Appeals)District(Courts of Appeals)

UtahSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment




VermontSupreme Court Gubernatorial appointment



Legislative election Statewide

VirginiaSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Legislative appointment Legislative appointment Legislative appointment Statewide

WashingtonSupreme Court, Courts of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election Statewide

(Supreme Court)District(Courts of Appeals)

West VirginiaSupreme Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment11 Partisan election Partisan election District

WisconsinSupreme Court, Court of Appeals Gubernatorial appointment


Nonpartisan election Nonpartisan election Statewide (Supreme Court)District (Court of Appeals)

WyomingSupreme Court Gubernatorial appointment




FederalU.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Courts ofAppeals

Nominated and appointed bythe President with the adviceand consent of the Senate

Nominated and appointed bythe President with the adviceand consent of the Senate

– United States (U.S.Supreme Court)Circuit (U.S. Courts ofAppeals)



FOOTNOTES:

Alaska:1Judge must run for retention election at the next general election, immediatelyfollowing the third year from the time of initial appointment.

Connecticut:2Governor nominates from candidates submitted by the Judicial SelectionCommission.

Louisiana:3Person selected by the supreme court is prohibited for running for that judgeship;election held within one year to serve remainder of term.

Massachusetts:4There are no unexpired judicial terms. A judicial term expires upon the death,resignation, retirement or removal of an incumbent.5The governor’s council is made up of nine people elected by geographical areaand presided over by the lieutenant governor.6There is no retention process. Judges serve during good behavior to age 70.

New Jersey:7All superior court judges, including appellate division judges, are subject togubernatorial reappointment and consent by the senate after an initial 7-year term.

New Mexico:8The governor shall select a candidate from a list submitted by the appellatejudges’ nominating commission created by the constitution.

New York:9Presiding justice of each appellate division must be a resident of the department.

North Dakota:10The governor may appoint from a list of names or call a special election at hisdiscretion.

West Virginia:11Appointment effective only until the next election year; appointee must run forelection to any remaining portion of the unexpired term.

Table 5. Terms of Appellate Court Judges

Legend: ~=Not Applicable, N/S =None stated26 State Court Organization, 1998

Length of term Selection of chief justice/judgeTerm of office forchief justice/judge

Chief justices/judges—can theysucceed themselves?

AlabamaSupreme Court 6 years Popular election 6 years YesCourt of Criminal Appeals 6 years Court selection Indefinite YesCourt of Civil Appeals 6 years Seniority Indefinite Yes

AlaskaSupreme Court 10 years Court selection 3 years NoCourt of Appeals 8 years Supreme court, chief justice

appointment2 years Yes

ArizonaSupreme Court 6 years Court selection 5 years YesCourt of Appeals 6 years Court selection 1 year Yes

ArkansasSupreme Court 8 years Popular election 8 years YesCourt of Appeals 8 years Supreme court, chief justice

appoints4 years Yes

CaliforniaSupreme Court 12 years Gubernatorial appointment 12 years YesCourts of Appeal 12 years Gubernatorial appointment 12 years Yes

ColoradoSupreme Court 10 years Court selection Indefinite YesCourt of Appeals 8 years Supreme court, chief justice

appointsAt pleasure Yes

ConnecticutSupreme Court 8 years Legislative appointment1 8 years YesAppellate Court 8 years Supreme court’s chief justice

appointsIndefinite Yes

DelawareSupreme Court 12 years Gubernatorial appointment 12 years Yes

District of ColumbiaCourt of Appeals 15 years Judicial nominating commission


FloridaSupreme Court 6 years Court selection 2 years YesDistrict Courts of Appeal 6 years Court selection 2 years Yes

GeorgiaSupreme Court 6 years Court selection 4 years NoCourt of Appeals 6 years Rotate by seniority 2 years Yes

HawaiiSupreme Court 10 years Judicial Selection Commission

nominates, governor appoints withconsent of senate

10 years Yes

Intermediate Court of Appeals

10 years Judicial Selection Commissionnominates, governor appoints withconsent of senate

10 years Yes

IdahoSupreme Court 6 years Court selection 4 years YesCourt of Appeals 6 years Supreme court, Chief Justice


IllinoisSupreme Court 10 years Court selection 3 years YesAppellate Court 10 years Court selection 1 year Yes

Table 5. Terms of Appellate Courts Judges

Legend: ~=Not Applicable Judicial selection and service 27



IndianaSupreme Court Initial=2 yrs

Retention=10 yrsJudicial nominating commissionappointment

5 years Yes

Court of Appeals Initial=2 yrsRetention=10 yrs

Chief judge by full court selection 3 years Yes

Tax Court Initial=2 yrsRetention=10 yrs

~ ~ ~

IowaSupreme Court 8 years Court selection 8 years or duration of term YesCourt of Appeals 6 years Court selection 2 years Yes

KansasSupreme Court 6 years Rotation by seniority Indefinite YesCourt of Appeals 4 years Supreme court appointment Indefinite Yes

KentuckySupreme Court 8 years Court selection 4 years YesCourt of Appeals 8 years Court selection 4 years Yes

LouisianaSupreme Court 10 years Seniority Duration of service YesCourts of Appeal 10 years Seniority Duration of service Yes

MaineSupreme Judicial Court 7 years Gubernatorial appointment 7 years Yes

MarylandCourt of Appeals 10 years Gubernatorial appointment Indefinite YesCourt of Special Appeals 10 years Gubernatorial appointment Indefinite Yes

MassachusettsSupreme Judicial Court Until age 70 2 To age 70 ~Appeals Court Until age 70 2 To age 70 ~

MichiganSupreme Court 8 years Court selection 2 years YesCourt of Appeals 6 years Appointed by supreme court 2 years Yes

MinnesotaSupreme Court 6 years Popular election 6 years YesCourt of Appeals 6 years Gubernatorial appointment 3 years Yes

MississippiSupreme Court 8 years Seniority Duration of service YesCourt of Appeals 8 years Appointment by Supreme Court

Chief Justice4 years Yes

MissouriSupreme Court 12 years Court selection 2 years Yes3

Court of Appeals 12 years Court selection 2 years4 Yes

MontanaSupreme Court 8 years Popular election 8 years Yes

NebraskaSupreme Court More than 3 years

for first election;every 6 yearsthereafter

Gubernatorial appointment fromjudicial nominating commission

Duration of service Yes

Court of Appeals More than 3 yearsfor first election;every 6 yearsthereafter

IAC by majority vote; uponratification of selection bySupreme Court

2 years as presiding Yes

Table 5. Terms of Appellate Court Judges




NevadaSupreme Court 6 years Rotation 2 years 5

New HampshireSupreme Court Until age 70 Gubernatorial appointment with

approval of elected executivecouncil

Until age 70 ~

New JerseySupreme Court 7 years, followed

by tenureGubernatorial appointment withconsent of senate


Superior Court, Appellate Division

Annualassignment byChief Justice6

Designation by Chief Justice At the pleasure of the ChiefJustice

~

New MexicoSupreme Court 8 years Court selection 2 years YesCourt of Appeals 8 years Court selection 2 years Yes

New YorkCourt of Appeals 14 years Gubernatorial appointment from

judicial nominating commission14 years Yes

Supreme Court, Appellate Divisions

5 years or duration Gubernatorial appointment fromjudicial screening commission


North CarolinaSupreme Court 8 years Popular election 8 years --Court of Appeals 8 years Supreme court, chief justice

appointmentAt the pleasure of the chiefjustice of the Supreme court

~

North DakotaSupreme Court 10 years Selection by the judges of the

supreme and district courts5 years or until term expires,whichever occurs first

Yes

OhioSupreme Court 6 years Popular election 6 years YesCourts of Appeals 6 years Selected by Judges of District Calendar year Yes

OklahomaSupreme Court 6 years Court selection 2 years YesCriminal Appeals 6 years Court selection 2 years YesCourt of Civil Appeals 6 years Court selection 1 year Yes

OregonSupreme Court 6 years Court selection 6 years Yes

PennsylvaniaSupreme Court 10 years Rotation by seniority Duration of term –Superior Court 10 years Court selection 5 years NoCommonwealth Court 10 years Court selection 5 years No

Rhode IslandSupreme Court Life Gubernatorial appointment from

the judicial nominatingcommission

Life ~

South CarolinaSupreme Court 10 years Legislative election 10 years YesCourt of Appeals 6 years Legislative election 6 years Yes

South DakotaSupreme Court 8 years Court selection 4 years Yes

TennesseeSupreme Court 8 years Court selection 4 years YesCourts of Appeal 8 years Court selection 1 term YesCourt of Criminal Appeals 8 years Court selection 1 term Yes

Table 5. Terms of Appellate Courts Judges




TexasSupreme Court 6 years Partisan election 6 years YesCourt of Criminal Appeals 6 years Partisan election 6 years YesCourts of Appeals 6 years Partisan election 6 years Yes

UtahSupreme Court Initial=3 yrs;

Retention=10 yrsCourt selection 4 years Yes

Court of Appeals Initial=3 yrs;Retention=6 yrs

Court selection 2 years Yes7

VermontSupreme Court 6 years Gubernatorial appointment from

judicial nominating commissionwith consent of senate

6 years Yes

VirginiaSupreme Court 12 years Seniority Indefinite ~Court of Appeals 8 years Court selection 4 years Yes

WashingtonSupreme Court 6 years Court selection 4 years Yes

Courts of Appeals 6 years

Presiding chief judge by courtselection; however, positionrotates among the 3 divisions;chief judge by division judges

1 year for presiding judgeand 2 years for chief judge

Not the presiding judge

West VirginiaSupreme Court 12 years Rotation by seniority 1 year No

WisconsinSupreme Court 10 years Seniority Until declined ~Court of Appeals 6 years Supreme court appointment 3 years Yes

WyomingSupreme Court 8 years Court selection At the pleasure of the court ~

FederalU.S. Supreme Court Life Nominated and appointed by the

President with advice and consentof Senate

Life ~

U.S. Courts of Appeals Life Seniority8 7 years or until age 70 NoU.S. Court of Veterans

Appeals15 years Nominated and appointed by

president with advice and consentof Senate

15 years Yes

FOOTNOTES:

Connecticut:1Governor nominates from candidates submitted by Judicial SelectionCommission.

Massachusetts:2Chief Justice, in the appellate courts, is a separate judicial office from that of anAssociate Justice. Chief Justices are appointed, until age 70, by the Governorwith the advice and consent of the Executive (Governor’s) Council.

Missouri:3Selection is typically rotated among the judges.4Two years in western and southern districts; one year in eastern district.

Nevada:5Not immediately; later, as part of rotation.

New Jersey:6All Superior Court judges, including Appellate Division judges, are subject togubernatorial reappointment and consent by the senate after an initial 7-year term.

Utah:7Presiding judge can serve no more than two successive terms.

Federal:8The chief judge is the active circuit judge who is senior of those judges who (1)are 64 years or under, (2) have served for one or more years as a circuit judge,and (3) have not served previously as chief judge. Per 28 U.S.C. § 45(a).

Table 6. Qualifications to Serve as an Appellate Court Judge


Local residency State residency Minimum age Maximum age Legal credentialsAlabamaSupreme Court N/S 1 year N/S 701 Licensed attorneyCourt of Criminal Appeals N/S 1 year N/S 70 Licensed attorneyCourt of Civil Appeals N/S 1 year N/S 70 Licensed attorney

AlaskaSupreme Court N/S 5 years N/S 70 8 years practiceCourt of Appeals N/S 5 years N/S 70 8 years practice

ArizonaSupreme Court N/S 10 years N/S 70 10 years state barCourt of Appeals Yes 5 years 30 70 5 years state bar

ArkansasSupreme Court N/S 2 years 30 N/S 8 years practiceCourt of Appeals Yes 2 years 30 N/S 8 years practice

CaliforniaSupreme Court N/S N/S N/S N/S 10 years state barCourts of Appeal N/S N/S N/S N/S 10 years state bar

ColoradoSupreme Court N/S Yes N/S N/S 5 years state barCourt of Appeals N/S Yes N/S N/S 5 years state bar

ConnecticutSupreme Court No Yes N/S 70 10 years state barAppellate Court No Yes N/S 70 10 years state bar

DelawareSupreme Court No Yes N/S N/S "Learned in law"

District of ColumbiaCourt of Appeals 90 days District N/S 74 5 years state bar

FloridaSupreme Court -2 Yes N/S 70 10 years state barDistrict Courts of Appeal -2 Yes3 N/S 70 10 years state bar

GeorgiaSupreme Court N/S Yes N/S N/S4 7 years state barCourt of Appeals N/S Yes N/S N/S4 7 years state bar

HawaiiSupreme Court N/S Yes N/S 70 10 years state barIntermediate Court of Appeals N/S Yes N/S 70 10 years state bar

IdahoSupreme Court N/S 2 years 30 N/S 10 years state barCourt of Appeals N/S 2 years 30 N/S 10 years state bar

IllinoisSupreme Court Yes Yes N/S 75 Licensed attorneyAppellate Court Yes Yes N/S 75 Licensed attorney

IndianaSupreme Court N/S N/S N/S 75 10 years state bar5

Court of Appeals Yes N/S N/S 75 10 years state bar5

Tax Court N/S Yes N/S N/S 5 years state bar

IowaSupreme Court N/S N/S N/S 72 Licensed attorneyCourt of Appeals N/S N/S N/S 72 Licensed attorney

KansasSupreme Court N/S N/S 30 706 10 years active and continuous

practice7

Court of Appeals N/S N/S 30 706 10 years active and continuouspractice7



Local residency State residency Minimum age Maximum age Legal credentialsKentuckySupreme Court 2 years 2 years N/S N/S 8 years state bar/licensed attorneyCourt of Appeals 2 years 2 years N/S N/S 8 years state bar/licensed attorney

LouisianaSupreme Courts 2 years 2 years N/S 708 5 years state barCourts of Appeal 2 years 2 years N/S 70 5 years state bar

MaineSupreme Judicial Court N/S N/S N/S N/S “Learned in law”

MarylandCourt of Appeals 6 months 5 years 30 70 State bar memberCourt of Special Appeals 6 months 5 years 30 70 State bar member

MassachusettsSupreme Judicial Court N/S N/S N/S 70 N/SAppeals Court N/S N/S N/S 70 N/S

MichiganSupreme Court N/S N/S N/S 70 State bar member, practice at least

5 yearsCourt of Appeals Reside within

districtN/S N/S 70 State bar member

MinnesotaSupreme Court N/S N/S N/S 70 State bar memberCourt of Appeals Varies N/S N/S 70 State bar member

MississippiSupreme Court District Resident 5 years 30 N/S 5 years state barCourt of Appeals District Resident 5 years 30 N/S 5 years state bar

MissouriSupreme Court N/S State voter for 9

years30 70 State bar member

Court of Appeals Yes State voter for 9years

30 70 State bar member

MontanaSupreme Court N/S 2 years N/S N/S 5 years state bar

NebraskaSupreme Court Yes 3 years 30 N/S 5 years practiceCourt of Appeals Yes N/S 30 N/S 5 years practice

NevadaSupreme Court N/S 2 years 25 N/S State bar member

New HampshireSupreme Court N/S N/S N/S 70 N/S

New JerseySupreme Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Admitted to practice in state for at

least 10 years.Superior Court, AppellateDivision

N/S N/S N/S 70 Admitted to practice in state for atleast 10 years.

New MexicoSupreme Court N/S 3 years 35 N/S 10 years active practice and/or

judgeship in any court of the stateCourt of Appeals N/S 3 years 35 N/S 10 years active practice and/or

judgeship in any court of the state

New YorkCourt of Appeals N/S Yes N/S 70 10 years state barSupreme Court, AppellateDivisions

Yes, for presidingjudge

Yes 18 709 10 years state bar



Local residency State residency Minimum age Maximum age Legal credentialsNorth CarolinaSupreme Court N/S N/S N/S 72 State bar memberCourt of Appeals N/S N/S N/S 72 State bar member

North DakotaSupreme Court N/S Yes N/S N/S License to practice lawCourt of Appeals N/S N/S N/S N/S License to practice law

OhioSupreme Court No Yes N/S 70 6 years practiceCourts of Appeals District N/S N/S 70 6 years practice

OklahomaSupreme Court 1 year N/S 30 N/S 5 years state barCourt of Criminal Appeals 1 year N/S 30 N/S 5 years state barCourt of Civil Appeals -10 N/S N/S N/S -11

OregonSupreme Court N/S 3 years N/S 75 State bar memberCourt of Appeals N/S 3 years N/S 75 State bar member

PennsylvaniaSupreme Court No 1 year N/S 70 State bar memberSuperior Court No 1 year N/S 70 State bar memberCommonwealth Court No 1 year N/S 70 State bar member

Puerto RicoSupreme Court N/S 5 years N/S 70 10 years state barCourt of Appeals N/S 5 years N/S 70 10 years state bar

Rhode IslandSupreme Court N/S N/S 21 N/S License to practice law

South CarolinaSupreme Court N/S 5 years 32 72 8 years state barCourt of Appeals N/S 5 years 32 72 8 years state bar

South DakotaSupreme Court Yes Yes N/S 70 State bar member

TennesseeSupreme Court Yes12 5 years 35 N/S Qualified to practice lawCourt of Appeals Yes13 5 years 30 N/S Qualified to practice lawCourt of Criminal Appeals Yes13 5 years 30 N/S Qualified to practice law

TexasSupreme Court N/S Yes 35 75 -14

Court of Criminal Appeals N/S Yes 35 75 -14

Courts of Appeals Yes Yes 35 75 -14

UtahSupreme Court N/S 5 years 30 75 State bar memberCourt of Appeals N/S 3 years 25 75 State bar member

VermontSupreme Court N/S 5 years N/S 70 5 years state bar

VirginiaSupreme Court N/S N/S N/S 7015 5 years state barCourt of Appeals N/S N/S N/S 7016 5 years state bar

WashingtonSupreme Court 1 year 1 year N/S 75 State bar memberCourts of Appeals 1 year 1 year N/S 75 5 years state bar

West VirginiaSupreme Court N/S 5 years 30 N/S 10 years state bar

WisconsinSupreme Court 10 days 10 days N/S N/S 5 years state barCourt of Appeals 10 days 10 days N/S N/S 5 years state bar

WyomingSupreme Court N/S 3 years 30 70 9 years state bar



Local residency State residency Minimum age Maximum age Legal credentialsFederal

U.S. Supreme Court N/S N/S N/S N/S N/SU.S. Courts of Appeals -17 N/S N/S N/S N/SU.S. Court for Veterans Claims ~ ~ ~ ~ State or federal bar

FOOTNOTES:

Alabama:1The age prohibition of §6.16 is not a qualification for office, but only deals withretirement.

Florida:2Initial appointment: must be resident of district at the time of original appointment.3Must reside within the territorial jurisdiction of the court.

Georgia:4There is a maximum retirement age in order to be eligible for certain benefits.

Indiana:5In the supreme court and court of appeals, 5 years’ service as a generaljurisdiction judge may be substituted.

Kansas:6May complete term in which age 70 is attained.7Relevant legal experience, such as being a member of a law faculty or sitting asa judge, may qualify under the 10-year requirement.

Louisiana:875 for judges who began serving under old constitution.

New York:9Up to 76 if certified for continuing service.

Oklahoma:10Must be a qualified elector in district.11Appellate judges must be member of the state bar and have at least 4 years’experience as a practicing attorney or as judge of a court of record.

Tennessee:12One justice from each of three divisions and two seats at large.13Must reside in the grand division served.

Texas:14Ten years practicing law or a lawyer and judge of a court of record at least 10years.

Virginia:15Applies only to those justices elected or appointed to an original or subsequentterm commencing after July 1, 1993.16Unless ‘grandfathered.’

Federal:17Circuit residency is required 28 U.S.C. § 44(c), except in D.C. Judges in the U.S.Court of Appeals for the federal circuit must reside within 50 miles of D.C.

Table 7. Selection and Terms of Trial Court Judges

Legend: ~=Not Applicable34 State Court Organization, 1998

$GPLQLVWUDWLYH -XGJHV

&RXUW W\SH=* JHQHUDO MXULVGLFWLRQ/ OLPLWHG MXULVGLFWLRQ

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ WR )LOO8QH[SLUHG7HUP

0HWKRG RI 6HOHFWLRQIRU )XOO 7HUP

0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ

*HRJUDSKLF%DVLV IRU6HOHFWLRQ

/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH

&DQHDFK6XFFHHG+LPVHOI"

'R WKH\ KDYH$GPLQLVWUDWLYH$XWKRULW\"

:KDW LV WKHLUVRXUFH RIDXWKRULW\"

Alabama* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQW43DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 3DUWLVDQ

HOHFWLRQ&LUFXLW 9 \UV 0DMRULW\ YRWH RI

FLUFXLW MXGJHV56 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWHV DQG

DGPLQLVWUDWLYHUXOHV

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW5

3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 3DUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ

&RXQW\ 9 \UV $GPLQLVWUDWLYHFLUFXLW MXGJH Z2DGYLFH DQG FRQVHQWRI PDMRULW\ RI FLUFXLWFRXUWW MXGJHV

4 \U <HV <HV 6WDWXWHV DQGDGPLQLVWUDWLYHUXOHV

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW *RYHUQLQJPXQLFLSDO ERG\DSSRLQWPHQW

*RYHUQLQJ PXQLFLSDOERG\ DSSRLQWPHQW

5H0DSSRLQWPHQW

0XQLFLSDOLW\

7 \UV6 0D\RU $WSOHDVXUH

<HV <HV 6WDWXWHV DQGDGPLQLVWUDWLYHUXOHV

/ 3UREDWH &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


&RXQW\ 9 \UV a a a a

Alaska* 6XSHULRU &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO

WHUP*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ7

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW9 9 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

4 \U <HV <HV 6WDWXWHV/$GPLQLVWUDWLYH5XOHV

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ8

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW: 7 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

a 0DJLVWUDWHV 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

$GPLQLVWUDWLYH MXGJHDSSRLQWV LQ HDFKMXGLFLDO GLVWULFW

6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

'LVWULFW $WSOHDVXUH

1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

Arizona* 6XSHULRU &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQW;1RQ0SDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQV<

1RQ0SDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQV25HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQV43

&RXQW\ 7 \UV 6XSUHPH &RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW

8 \UV <HV <HV &RQVWLWXWLRQ/&RXUW 5XOHV/$GPLQ1 2UGHU RI6XSUHPH &RXUW

/ -XVWLFH RI WKH 3HDFH &RXQW\ ERDUGDSSRLQWPHQW


3UHFLQFW 7 \UV 43 5 \UV <HV <HV $GPLQLVWUDWLYH2UGHU RI6XSUHPH &RXUW

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV 0XQLFLSDOLW\

9DULHV±5\U1PLQLPXP

&RXUW VHOHFWLRQ /RFDOO\GHFLGHG

/RFDOO\GHFHGHG

<HV $GPLQLVWUDWLYH2UGHU DQG /RFDO'HOHJDWLRQ

Arkansas* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO


HOHFWLRQ'LVWULFW 7 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYH

MXGJHa a a

* &KDQFHU\23UREDWH&RXUW

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW44


'LVWULFW 9 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW

1RQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 1RQSDUWLVDQ &RXQW\ 7 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ &RXQW\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


&RXQW\ 5 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ 3ROLFH &RXUW &LW\ FRXQFLO 1RQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 1RQSDUWLVDQ &LW\ 7 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ &RXUW RI &RPPRQ3OHDV

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW



a a a a

/ &LW\ &RXUW /RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG

/RFDOO\ GHWHUPLQHG /RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG

&LW\ 5 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

California* 6XSHULRU &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQW1RQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 1RQSDUWLVDQ

HOHFWLRQ45&RXQW\ 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 1RW OHVV

WKDQ 4\HDU

<HV <HV 6WDWXWH DQG5XOHV RI &RXUW


1RQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 1RQSDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ45

'LVWULFW 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 4 \HDU <HV <HV 6WDWXWH DQG5XOHV RI &RXUW







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Colorado* 'LVWULFW &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO

WHUP*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

&RXQW\ 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ *HQHUDOO\4 \U

9DULHV <HV &KLHI -XVWLFH

* 'HQYHU 3UREDWH &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV 6XSUHPH FRXUW/&KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

<HV <HV &KLHI -XVWLFH

* 'HQYHU -XYHQLOH &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP


5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ


$WSOHDVXUH


* :DWHU &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP


5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ


$WSOHDVXUH


/ &RXQW\ &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ46

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

&RXQW\ 7 \UV 'LVWULFW FRXUWMXGJHVDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

<HV 1R &KLHI -XVWLFH

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

*RYHUQLQJ PXQLFLSDOERG\ DSSRLQWPHQW

5H0DSSRLQWPHQW

0XQLFLSDOLW\

9DULHV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

Connecticut* 6XSHULRU &RXUW /HJLVODWLYH

DSSRLQWPHQW47/HJLVODWLYHDSSRLQWPHQW47

/HJLVODWLYHDSSRLQWPHQW47

6WDWH ; \UV &KLHI &RXUW$GPLQLVWUDWRUDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

<HV 1R47 48

/ 3UREDWH &RXUW 3DUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ


'LVWULFW ; \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

Delaware* &RXUW RI &KDQFHU\ 6DPH DV IXOO

WHUP*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH

*XEHUQDWRULDOUHDSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQZLWK FRQVHQWRI VHQDWH

6WDWH 45 \UV *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW

45 \UV <HV <HV &RQVWLWXWLRQ

* 6XSHULRU &RXUW 6DPH DV &RXUWRI &KDQFHU\

6DPH DV &RXUW RI&KDQFHU\

6DPH DV&RXUW RI&KDQFHU\

5HVLGHQW=&RXQW\>6WDWH

45 \UV *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


/ -XVWLFH RI WKH 3HDFH&RXUW

6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURP0DJLVWUDWH6FUHHQLQJ&RPPLVVLRQ ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH

UH0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRU

&RXQW\ 7\UV>UHDSSRLQW19 \U WHUP



/ )DPLO\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH

6DPH DV6XSHULRU&RXUW

&RXQW\+&KLHI-XGJHVWDWHZLGH,

45 \UV1 *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


/ &RXUW RI &RPPRQ3OHDV

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH


6DPH DV6XSHULRU&RXUW

&RXQW\ 45 \UV *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


/ $OGHUPDQ*V &RXUW 9DULHV 7RZQ &RXQFLOVHOHFWLRQ

9DULHV 7RZQ 9DULHV a a a a a

District of Columbia







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




* 6XSHULRU &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

3UHVLGHQWLDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH

49 'LVWULFW RI&ROXPELD

48 \UV &KLHI MXGJHDSSRLQWPHQW

7 \UV <HV <HV $SSRLQWPHQW RIWKH &KLHI -XGJH

Florida* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ

1RQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 1RQSDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ

&LUFXLW 9 \UV &LUFXLW DQG FRXQW\FRXUW VHOHFWLRQ

5 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWH ) )ORULGD5XOHV RI &RXUW

/ &RXQW\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ



a a a a

Georgia* 6XSHULRU &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



&LUFXLW 7 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 9DULHV 9DULHV <HV /RFDO &RXUW5XOHV

/ -XYHQLOH &RXUW4: 6XSHULRU &RXUWMXGJHDSSRLQWPHQW

6XSHULRU &RXUWMXGJH DSSRLQWPHQW

6XSHULRU&RXUW MXGJHDSSRLQWPHQW

&RXQW\2FLUFXLW

7 \UV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV /RFDO &RXUW5XOHV

/ &LYLO &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


&RXQW\ 7 \UV 6HQLRULW\ 9DULHV 9DULHV a a

/ 6WDWH &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


&RXQW\ 7 \UV 6HQLRULW\ 9DULHV <HV a a


3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ4; 3DUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ4;


a a a a

/ 0DJLVWUDWH &RXUW 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV &RXQW\ 7 \UV 0RVW DUH HOHFWHG 7 \UV <HV <HV a/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW RI

&ROXPEXV0D\RUDO$SSRLQWPHQW

(OHFWHG (OHFWHG 0XQLFLSDOLW\

7 \UV a a a a a

/ &RXQW\ 5HFRUGHU*V &W1 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV &RXQW\ 9DULHV 6HQLRULW\ 6HQLRULW\ <HV a a/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUWV DQG

&LW\ &RXUW RI $WODQWD$SSRLQWHG E\PXQLFLSDODXWKRULW\

$SSRLQWHG E\PXQLFLSDO DXWKRULW\

$SSRLQWHGE\ PXQLFLSDODXWKRULW\

0XQLFLSDOLW\

$WSOHDVXUH

*HQHUDOO\ QRDGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

Hawaii* &LUFXLW &RXUW4< 6DPH DV IXOO


-XGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQUHDSSRLQWV

&LUFXLW 43 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

<HV <HV +DZDLL UHYLVHGVWDWXWHV2RUJ1FKDUWV

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW4< 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

$SSRLQWPHQW E\&KLHI -XVWLFH IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ DQGFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH

-XGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQUHDSSRLQWV

'LVWULFW 9 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

<HV <HV 6XS1 &W1 5XOHVDQG +56 93704

Idaho* 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



'LVWULFW 7 \UV 0DMRULW\ RI RWKHUGLVWULFW MXGJHVZLWKLQ WKH GLVWULFWMXGJHV RU PDMRULW\RI VXSUHPH FRXUWMXVWLFHV

9DULHV 4< <HV a a

0DJLVWUDWH 'LYLVLRQ 0DJLVWUDWH&RPPLVVLRQDSSRLQWPHQW53

0DJLVWUDWH&RPPLVVLRQDSSRLQWPHQW53

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ


a a a a

Illinois* &LUFXLW &RXUW &2/5

VHOHFWLRQ3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 5HWHQWLRQ

HOHFWLRQ&LUFXLW2&RXQW\54

9 \HDUV+DVVRFLDWHMXGJHV 7\UV,

&RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 9DULHV <HV <HV 6WDWH&RQVWLWXWLRQ







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Indiana* 6XSHULRU &RXUW 6XSUHPH

&RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW55

3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ56 3DUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ56

&RXQW\ 9 \UV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV

* &LUFXLW &RXUW 6XSUHPH&RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW55

3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ56 3DUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ56


* 3UREDWH &RXUW 6XSUHPH&RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW55


&RXQW\ 9 \UV a a a

/ &RXQW\ &RXUW 6XSUHPH&RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW55



/ &LW\ &RXUW 6XSUHPH&RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW55


0XQLFLSDOLW\

7 \UV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV

/ 7RZQ &RXUW 6XSUHPH&RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW55


0XQLFLSDOLW\

9DULHV a a a a a

/ 6PDOO &ODLPV &RXUW RI0DULRQ &RXQW\

6XSUHPH&RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW55


7RZQVKLS 7 <HDUV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV a a

Iowa* 'LVWULFW &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO


5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW ZLWK6XSUHPH &RXUWDSSURYDO59

5 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWRU\ DQG5XOH

/ 'LVWULFW $VVRFLDWH 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

'LVWULFW MXGJHDSSRLQWPHQW57

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 7 \UV a a a a a

/ 0DJLVWUDWHV 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

&RXQW\ MXGLFLDOPDJLVWUDWHDSSRLQWPHQWFRPPLVVLRQDSSRLQWPHQW58

5HDSSRLQWHG E\ FRXQW\1-XGLFLDOPDJLVWUDWHFRPPLVVLRQ

&RXQW\ 5 \UV a a a a a

Kansas* 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ LQ4: GLVWULFWV>*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW LQ47 GLVWULFWV

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ LQ 4:GLVWULFWV> SDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ LQ 47GLVWULFWV

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ LQ4: GLVWULFWV>SDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ LQ47 GLVWULFWV

'LVWULFW 7 \UV 6XSUHPH &RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW

5 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWH>6XSUHPH &RXUW5XOHV> 'LVWULFW&RXUW 5XOHV

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW /RFDOJRYHUQLQJERG\DSSRLQWPHQW5:

/RFDO JRYHUQLQJERG\ DSSRLQWPHQW5:

/RFDOJRYHUQLQJERG\ UH0DSSRLQWPHQW5:

&LW\ 9DULHV /RFDO JRYHUQLQJERG\ DSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

<HV <HV $SSRLQWLQJDXWKRULW\

.HQWXFN\* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



&LUFXLW ; \UV &LUFXLW &RXUWVHOHFWLRQ5;

*HQHUDOO\ 5 \UV

<HV <HV &RXUW 5XOH

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ


'LVWULFW 7 \UV 'LVWULFW &RXUWVHOHFWLRQ5;

*HQHUDOO\ 5 \UV

<HV <HV &RXUW 5XOH







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Louisiana* 'LVWULFW &RXUW 6XSUHPH

&RXUWVHOHFWLRQ5<


'LVWULFW 9 \UV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV &RXUW 5XOH+/RFDO 5XOH,

/ -XVWLFH RI WKH 3HDFH 6XSUHPH&RXUWVHOHFWLRQ5<


:DUGV 9 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ 0D\RU*V &RXUW +0D\RU RUPD\RU SURWHPS,

1RQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ +0D\RUVHUYHV DVMXGJH,


a a a a

/ &LW\ DQG 3DULVK &RXUWV 6XSUHPH&RXUWVHOHFWLRQ5<


&LW\ RUSDULVK

9 \UV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV a a

Maine* 6XSHULRU &RXUW 5H0

DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRUZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH

5H0DSSRLQWPHQW E\JRYHUQRU ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH

5H0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRUZLWK FRQVHQWRI VHQDWH

6WDWHZLGH : \UV 6XSUHPH &RXUW/&KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUHRI &KLHI-XVWLFH

<HV 1R a

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW 5H0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRU>FRQILUPHG E\OHJLVODWXUH

5H0DSSRLQWPHQW E\JRYHUQRU> FRQILUPHGE\ OHJLVODWXUH

5H0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRU>FRQILUPHGE\OHJLVODWXUH

6WDWH )'LVWULFW63

: \UV 6XSUHPH &RXUW/&KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUHRI &KLHI-XVWLFH

<HV 1R a

/ 3UREDWH &RXUW DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRU


&RXQW\ : \UV a a a a a

/ $GPLQLVWUDWLYH &RXUW 5H0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRU>FRQILUPHG E\OHJLVODWXUH

5H0DSSRLQWPHQW E\JRYHUQRU> FRQILUPHGE\ OHJLVODWXUH

5H0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRU>FRQILUPHGE\OHJLVODWXUH

6WDWH : \UV *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH

: \UV a a a

Maryland* &LUFXLW &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO

WHUP*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWHDQG FRQWHVWHGHOHFWLRQ 4 \HDU ODWHU

&RQWHVWHGHOHFWLRQ

&LUFXLW 48 \UV &KLHI -XGJH ± E\VHQLRULW\>&LUFXLW2&RXQW\$GPLQLVWUDWLYH-XGJH DSSRLQWPHQWE\ 6XSUHPH&RXUW¶V &KLHI-XVWLFH

$WSOHDVXUH

a 65 a



0DQGDWRU\JXEHUQDWRULDO UH0DSSRLQWPHQWZLWK FRQVHQWRI VHQDWH

'LVWULFW 43 \UV &KLHI -XGJHDSSRLQWPHQW E\6XSUHPH &RXUW¶V&KLHI -XVWLFH64

$WSOHDVXUH

a 65 a

/ 2USKDQ*V &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


2USKDQV 7 \UV 8QNQRZQ 8QNQRZQ

8QNQRZQ 65 a

Massachusetts* 6XSHULRU &RXUW 7KHUH DUH QR

XQH[SLUHGMXGLFLDO WHUPV1

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQDSSURYHG E\*RYHUQRU*V &RXQFLO

1R UHWHQWLRQSURFHVV1

6WDWH $JH :3 $SSRLQWHG E\6XSUHPH -XGLFLDO&RXUW66

8 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWHV2FRXUWUXOHV

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW 7KHUH DUH QRXQH[SLUHGMXGLFLDO WHUPV1











0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




/ %RVWRQ 0XQLFLSDO&RXUW

7KHUH DUH QRXQH[SLUHGMXGLFLDO WHUPV1





Massachusetts , continued/ -XYHQLOH &RXUW 7KHUH DUH QR

XQH[SLUHGMXGLFLDO WHUPV1





/ +RXVLQJ &RXUW 7KHUH DUH QRXQH[SLUHGMXGLFLDO WHUPV1





/ /DQG &RXUW 7KHUH DUH QRXQH[SLUHGMXGLFLDO WHUPV1





/ 3UREDWH DQG )DPLO\&RXUW

7KHUH DUH QRXQH[SLUHGMXGLFLDO WHUPV1





Michigan* &LUFXLW &RXUW

+LQFOXGHV &RXUW RI&ODLPV DQG )DPLO\'LYLVLRQ,



'LVWULFW 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 5 \UV <HV <HV 0LFKLJDQ &RXUW5XOH ;2443

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


'LVWULFW 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 5 \UV <HV <HV a




/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW *RYHUQLQJPXQLFLSDO ERG\DSSRLQWPHQW

1RQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 1RQSDUWLVDQ1HOHFWLRQ


Minnesota* 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



'LVWULFW 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 5 \UV <HV 67 67

Mississippi* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO


HOHFWLRQ'LVWULFW 7 \UV 6HQLRULW\ 'XUDWLRQ

RI WHUPa <HV 6WDWXWRU\

/ &KDQFHU\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


'LVWULFW 7 \UV 6HQLRULW\ 'XUDWLRQRI WHUP

a <HV 6WDWXWRU\




a a a a

/ )DPLO\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW



a a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW /RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG


0XQLFLSDOLW\

/RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG


a a a a

/ -XVWLFH &RXUW /RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG


'LVWULFW LQFRXQW\

7 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Missouri* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQW LQSDUWLVDQFLUFXLWV +73,*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ LQQRQSDUWLVDQFLUFXLWV +8,

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ LQFRXQWLHV ZLWKQRQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ+8 PHWURSROLWDQFLUFXLWV,3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ LQ73 FLUFXLWV

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ IRU8PHWURSROLWDQFLUFXLWV/SDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ LQ73 FLUFXLWV

&LUFXLW 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 5 \UV <HV <HV &RQVWLWXWLRQ

a $VVRFLDWH &LUFXLW&RXUW

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW LQSDUWLVDQFLUFXLWV +73,*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ LQQRQSDUWLVDQFLUFXLWV +8,

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ LQFRXQWLHV ZLWKQRQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ+8 PHWURSROLWDQFLUFXLWV,3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ LQ73 FLUFXLWV

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ IRU8PHWURSROLWDQFLUFXLWV/SDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ LQ73 FLUFXLWV


a a a a



&LW\ 9DULHV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

Montana* 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



'LVWULFW 9 \UV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV <HV 0 /LPLWHG &RQVWLWXWLRQ

* :RUNHUV*&RPSHQVDWLRQ &RXUW

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ


*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ

6WDWH 9 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

* :DWHU &RXUW &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ

&KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ

&KLHI-XVWLFHUHDSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ

6WDWH 7 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDOQRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ

7 \UV <HV <HV 0 /LPLWHG 6WDWXWH


&RXQW\FRPPLVVLRQDSSRLQWPHQW



a a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW /RFDOJRYHUQLQJERG\DSSRLQWPHQW



a a a a

/ &LW\ &RXUW &LW\FRPPLVVLRQDSSRLQWPHQW



a a a a

Nebraska* 'LVWULFW &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO


5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV68 &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 4 \U <HV a a

/ 6HSDUDWH -XYHQLOH&RXUW

6DPH DV IXOOWHUP


5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV68 &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 4 \U <HV a a







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Nebraska , continued/ :RUNHU*V

&RPSHQVDWLRQ6DPH DV IXOOWHUP


5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV68 &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 4 \U <HV <HV &RXUW 5XOH

/ &RXQW\ &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP


5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV68 &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 4 \U <HV <HV &RXUW 5XOH

Nevada* 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



'LVWULFW 9 \UV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV <HV 6WDWXWH +15661358,

/ -XVWLFH &RXUW &RXQW\FRPPLVVLRQDSSRLQWPHQW


7RZQVKLS 9 \UV (OHFWHG E\ -XVWLFHVRI WKH 3HDFH LQLQGLYLGXDOWRZQVKLSV KDYLQJWKUHH RU PRUH-XVWLFHV RI WKH3HDFH

4 \HDU <HV <HV 6WDWXWH +-& 5&3;7,

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW &LW\ FRXQFLODSSRLQWPHQW

1RQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQRU DSSRLQWPHQW

1RQSDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ RUDSSRLQWPHQW

&LW\ 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV <HV 9DULHV ,QGLYLGXDO &LW\&KDUWHUV

New Hampshire* 6XSHULRU &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO

WHUP*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW VXEMHFWWR DSSURYDO E\H[HFXWLYH FRXQFLO

a 6WDWH 8QWLO DJH:3

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWVXEMHFW WR DSSURYDOE\ H[HFXWLYHFRXQFLO

$JH :3 a <HV &KLHI -XVWLFH


*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW VXEMHFWWR DSSURYDO E\H[HFXWLYH FRXQFLO

a 'LVWULFW 8QWLO DJH:3

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWVXEMHFW WR DSSURYDOE\ H[HFXWLYHFRXQFLO

$JH :3 a <HV /DZ



a 'LVWULFW20XQLFLSDOLW\

8QWLO DJH:3

a a a a a

/ 3UREDWH &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP


a &RXQW\ 8QWLO DJH:3

a a a a a

New Jersey* 6XSHULRU &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO

WHUP*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH


6WDWH :6; &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

a <HV &RXUW 5XOH

/ 7D[ &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH


6WDWH :6; &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

a <HV 6WDWXWH


$SSRLQWPHQW E\PD\RU RU JRYHUQLQJERG\ RIPXQLFLSDOLW\69

5H0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ PD\RU RUJRYHUQLQJERG\ RIPXQLFLSDOLW\6:

0XQLFLSDOLW\20XOWL0PXQLFLSDOLW\

6 \UV *RYHUQLQJ ERG\6: 6 \UV <HV 6< 6<







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




New Mexico* 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQW733DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 1RQSDUWLVDQ

UHWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV (OHFWLRQ E\ GLVWULFWMXGJHV

6 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWH

/ 0DJLVWUDWH &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


&RXQW\ 7 \UV 'LUHFWRU RI $2&DSSRLQWPHQW

9DULHV <HV <HV 3ROLF\ 'LUHFWLYH

/ %HUQDOLOOR &RXQW\ *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW73

3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 1RQSDUWLVDQUHWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

&RXQW\ 7 \UV (OHFWLRQ E\PHWURSROLWDQMXGJHV

6 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWH

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW $SSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQLQJERG\



a a a a

/ 3UREDWH &RXUW &RXQW\FRPPLVVLRQDSSRLQWPHQW



a a a a

New York* 6XSUHPH &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQWZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH


'LVWULFW 47 \UV 1R $GPLQLVWUDWLYH-XGJH

a a a a

* &RXQW\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH


&RXQW\ 43 \UV 1R $GPLQLVWUDWLYH-XGJH

a a a a

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW 74 3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 3DUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV 3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 9 \UV <HV 1R a

/ &LW\ &RXUW 9DULHV²PRVWHOHFWHG

9DULHV00PRVW HOHFWHG /RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG

&LW\+ZLWKVRPHH[FHSWLRQV,

43 \UV 1R $GPLQLVWUDWLYH-XGJH

a a a a

/ &ULPLQDO &RXUW RI 1<& 0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW

0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW

0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW

&LW\ 43 \UV 1R $GPLQLVWUDWLYH-XGJH

a a a a

/ &LYLO &RXUW RI 1<& 0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW75


&LW\ 43 \UV75 1R $GPLQLVWUDWLYH-XGJH

a a a a

/ 7RZQ DQG 9LOODJH 7RZQERDUG2YLOODJHPD\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW


7RZQ RUYLOODJH

7 \UV a a a a a

/ &RXUW RI &ODLPV *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOVFUHHQLQJFRPPLWWHH ZLWKFRQVHQW RIVHQDWH

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO VFUHHQLQJFRPPLWWHH ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH

5H0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRU

6WDWH < \UV *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW

%DODQFHRI WHUP

<HV <HV ,QKHUHQW

/ 6XUURJDWHV* &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOVFUHHQLQJFRPPLWWHH ZLWKFRQVHQW RIVHQDWH


&RXQW\ 43 \UV+H[FHSW1<& LV47,


a a a a

/ )DPLO\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP MXGLFLDOVFUHHQLQJFRPPLWWHH ZLWKFRQVHQW RIVHQDWH2%\PD\RU LQ 1HZ<RUN &LW\

3DUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ2DSSRLQWPHQW E\ PD\RU LQ 1HZ<RUN &LW\

3DUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ2UHDSSRLQWPHQWE\ PD\RU LQ1HZ <RUN&LW\

&RXQW\RXWVLGH1<&


a a a a







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




North Carolina* 6XSHULRU &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQW76 $V RI 4<<;/

1RQSDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ

6WDWH ;+UHVLGHQW,/7 +VSHFLDO,

6HQLRULW\ RI VHUYLFHZLWKLQ GLVWULFW

; \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWH

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


'LVWULFW 7 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

<HV <HV 6WDWXWH

North Dakota* 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



'LVWULFW 9 \UV (OHFWHG E\ GLVWULFWMXGJHV

6 \UV <HV <HV /DZ

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW 0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW



a a a a

Ohio* &RXUW RI &RPPRQ

3OHDV*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


&RXQW\ 9 \UV (OHFWHG E\ FRXUWMXGJHV

4 \HDU <HV <HV 6WDWXWH DQG UXOHVRIVXSHULQWHQGHQFH



&RXQW\2FLW\2SDUW RIFRXQW\

9 \UV (OHFWHG E\ FRXUWMXGJHV

4 \HDU <HV <HV 6WDWXWH DQG UXOHVRIVXSHULQWHQGHQFH



&RXQW\2SDUW RIFRXQW\

9 \UV a a a a a

/ &RXUW RI &ODLPV &KLHI -XVWLFHDVVLJQPHQW

&KLHI -XVWLFHDVVLJQPHQW

&KLHI-XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

a 77 a a a a a

/ 0D\RUV &RXUW 9DULHV> XVXDOO\HOHFWHG


&LW\29LOODJH a a a a a a

Oklahoma* 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQWIURP -XGLFLDO1RPLQDWLQJ&RPPLVVLRQ


'LVWULFW 7 \UV 6HOHFWHG E\ 'LVWULFWDQG $VVRFLDWH'LVWULFW MXGJHVZLWKLQ HDFK MXGLFLDODGPLQLVWUDWLYHGLVWULFW

9DULHV <HV <HV 6WDWXWH

a $VVRFLDWH *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP -XGLFLDO1RPLQDWLQJ&RPPLVVLRQ



a a a a

a 6SHFLDO 6HOHFWLRQ E\'LVWULFW &RXUW-XGJH LQ HDFK-XGLFLDO1RPLQDWLQJ&RPPLVVLRQ

6DPH DV XQH[SLUHGWHUP

6DPH DVXQH[SLUHGWHUP

'LVWULFW $WSOHDVXUH


a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW 1RW RI5HFRUG

&LW\ JRYHUQLQJERG\DSSRLQWPHQW

&LW\ JRYHUQLQJ ERG\DSSRLQWPHQW

&LW\JRYHUQLQJERG\DSSRLQWPHQW

0XQLFLSDOLW\ 5 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &ULPLQDO&RXUW RI 5HFRUG

&LW\ JRYHUQLQJERG\DSSRLQWPHQW

&LW\ JRYHUQLQJ ERG\DSSRLQWPHQW

&LW\JRYHUQLQJERG\DSSRLQWPHQW

0XQLFLSDOLW\ 5 \UV &LW\ JRYHUQLQJERG\ DSSRLQWPHQW

9DULHV 8QNQRZQ a

/ :RUNHUV*&RPSHQVDWLRQ &RXUW

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP -XGLFLDO1RPLQDWLQJ&RPPLVVLRQ

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURP-XGLFLDO 1RPLQDWLQJ&RPPLVVLRQ

5H0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ JRYHUQRUIURP -XGLFLDO1RPLQDWLQJ&RPPLVVLRQ

6WDWH 9 \UV *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW

5 \UV <HV a







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Oklahoma, continued/ &RXUW RI 7D[ 5HYLHZ 6XSUHPH

&RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW

6XSUHPH &RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW

6XSUHPH&RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW

-XGLFLDO'LVWULFW

7HUP LVIRUUHPDLQGHURI VHUYLFHDV 'LVWULFW&RXUWMXGJH


a a a a

Oregon* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO


HOHFWLRQ&LUFXLW 9 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFH

DSSRLQWPHQW5 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWH

* 7D[ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


6WDWH 9 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ &RXQW\ &RXUW &RXQW\FRPPLVVLRQDSSRLQWPHQW



a a a a

/ -XVWLFH &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW



a a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW &LW\ FRXQFLODSSRLQWPHQW

&LW\ FRXQFLODSSRLQWPHQW

&LW\ FRXQFLOUH0DSSRLQWPHQW

0XQLFLSDOLW\


a a a a

Pennsylvania* &RXUW RI &RPPRQ

3OHDV*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP -XGLFLDO$GYLVRU\&RPPLVVLRQZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH

3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

&RXQW\ 43 \HDUV 6HQLRULW\ +LI ; RUPRUH MXGJHV/ FRXUWVHOHFWLRQ,

8 \UV 1R <HV 6WDWXWH 753D1&161 �658

/ 3KLODGHOSKLD 0XQLFLSDO *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP -XGLFLDO$GYLVRU\&RPPLVVLRQZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH

3DUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

&RXQW\ 43 \HDUV 6HQLRULW\ +LI ; RUPRUH MXGJHV/ FRXUWVHOHFWLRQ,

8 \UV 1R <HV 6WDWXWH 753D1&161 �658

/ 'LVWULFW -XVWLFH &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP -XGLFLDO$GYLVRU\&RPPLVVLRQZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH


0DJLVWHULDO'LVWULFW


a a a 6WDWXWH 753D1&161 �658

/ 3KLODGHOSKLD 7UDIILF *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWIURP -XGLFLDO$GYLVRU\&RPPLVVLRQZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH


&RXQW\ 9 \UV *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW

8 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWH 753D1&161 �658

/ 3LWWVEXUJK &LW\0DJLVWUDWHV

0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQWZLWK FLW\FRXQFLO*VFRQVHQW

0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW

0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW

&LW\ RI3LWWVEXUJK

7 \UV 0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW

4 \U <HV <HV 6WDWXWH 753D1&161 �658

Puerto Rico&RXUW RI )LUVW ,QVWDQFH=* 6XSHULRU &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQWZ2VHQDWHFRQILUPDWLRQ

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWZ2VHQDWHFRQILUPDWLRQ

*XEHUQDWRULDOUHDSSRLQWPHQWZ2VHQDWHFRQILUPDWLRQ

6WDWHZLGH 45 \UV a a a a a







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Puerto Rico, continued* 'LVWULFW &RXUW85 a a a 6WDWHZLGH ; \UV85 a a a a a* 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO

DSSRLQWPHQWZ2VHQDWHFRQILUPDWLRQ

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWZ2VHQDWHFRQILUPDWLRQ

*XEHUQDWRULDOUHDSSRLQWPHQWZ2VHQDWHFRQILUPDWLRQ

6WDWHZLGH ; \UV a a a a a

Rhode Island* 6XSHULRU &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



a 6WDWH /LIH *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW

/LIH a <HV 6WDWXWH

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH



/LIH a <HV 6WDWXWH

/ )DPLO\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH



/LIH a <HV 6WDWXWH

/ 3UREDWH &RXUW 7RZQ &RXQFLO$SSRLQWHG

7RZQ FRXQFLOUHDSSRLQWHG

7RZQ&RXQFLO5HDSSRLQWHG

7RZQ 9DULHV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW &LW\ FRXQFLODSSRLQWHG


7RZQ 5 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ $GPLQLVWUDWLYH$GMXGLFDWLRQ &RXUW

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH


a 6WDWH 9DULHV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

South Carolina* &LUFXLW &RXUW /HJLVODWLYH

HOHFWLRQ/HJLVODWLYH HOHFWLRQ /HJLVODWLYH

HOHFWLRQ&LUFXLW 9 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFH

DSSRLQWPHQW9PRQWKV


/ )DPLO\ &RXUW /HJLVODWLYHHOHFWLRQ

/HJLVODWLYH HOHFWLRQ /HJLVODWLYHHOHFWLRQ

&LUFXLW 9 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

9PRQWKV


/ 0DJLVWUDWH &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWZLWK FRQVHQW RIVHQDWH


*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQWZLWK FRQVHQWRI VHQDWH

&RXQW\ 7 \UV &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW

9PRQWKV





a a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW &RXQFLODSSRLQWPHQW

&RXQFLO DSSRLQWPHQW &RXQFLODSSRLQWPHQW


a a a a

South Dakota* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



&LUFXLW ; \UV &KLHI -XVWLFHDSSRLQWPHQW78

$WSOHDVXUH

a a a

a /DZ 0DJLVWUDWHV 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

$SSRLQWPHQW E\&LUFXLW &RXUWDGPLQLVWUDWLYH MXGJHZLWK DSSURYDO RI6XSUHPH FRXUW

5H0DSSRLQWPHQWE\ &LUFXLW&RXUWDGPLQL0VWUDWLYHMXGJH ZLWKDSSURYDO RI6XSUHPH&RXUW

&LUFXLW 7 \UV a a a a a

a &OHUN20DJLVWUDWHV 'LYLVLRQ RI&LUFXLW &RXUW

a a &LUFXLW a a a a a a







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Tennessee* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO


HOHFWLRQ'LVWULFW ; \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 4 \U <HV a a

* &KDQFHU\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


'LVWULFW ; \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 4 \U <HV a a

* &ULPLQDO &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW


'LVWULFW ; \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 4 \U <HV a a

* 3UREDWH &RXUW (VWDEOLVKHG E\VSHFLDOOHJLVODWLYH DFW


9DULHV /RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG


a a a a

/ -XYHQLOH &RXUW (VWDEOLVKHG E\VSHFLDOOHJLVODWLYH DFW


&RXQW\ ; \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a


(VWDEOLVKHG E\RUGLQDQFH

(VWDEOLVKHGE\RUGLQDQFH

0XQLFLSDOLW\

; \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ *HQHUDO 6HVVLRQV&RXUW

/RFDOOHJLVODWLYHERG\DSSRLQWPHQW


&RXQW\ ; \UV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV a a

Texas* 'LVWULFW &RXUWV *XEHUQDWRULDO



'LVWULFW 7 \UV 9DULHV 5 \UV <HV <HV 7H[DV *RYW1FRGH �:713<5

/ &RQVWLWXWLRQDO &RXQW\&RXUW DQG &RXQW\&RXUWV DW /DZ

$SSRLQWPHQWE\ FRXQW\FRPPLVVLRQHUV


&RXQW\ 7 \UV 9DULHV79 5 \UV <HV <HV 7H[DV *RYW1FRGH �:713<5


$SSRLQWPHQWE\ FRXQW\FRPPLVVLRQHUV


3UHFLQFW 7 \UV 1R DGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH

a a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW $SSRLQWPHQWE\ FLW\ FRXQFLO

9DULHV 9DULHV 1RQH 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV <HV 9DULHV 9DULHV

Utah* 'LVWULFW &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO

WHUP*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH7:

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 3UHVXPS0WLYHO\5 \UV

<HV <HV 8WDK &RGH $QQ1:;:;0605<&RGH RI -XGLFLDO$GPLQ 60437

/ -XVWLFH &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

$SSRLQWPHQW E\ORFDO JRYHUQPHQWH[HFXWLYH ZLWKFRQILUPDWLRQ E\ ORFDOJRYHUQPHQWOHJLVODWLYH ERG\1

&RXQW\=5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ0XQLFLSDO=5HDSSRLQWPHQW E\ FLW\H[HFXWLYH

&RXQW\20XQLFLSDOLW\

7 \HDUV a a a a a

/ -XYHQLOH &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

*XEHUQDWRULDODSSRLQWPHQW IURPMXGLFLDO QRPLQDWLQJFRPPLVVLRQ ZLWKFRQVHQW RI VHQDWH7:

5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ

'LVWULFW 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 3UHVXPSWLYHO\5 \UV

<HV <HV 8WDK &RGH $QQ1:;:;0605<&RGH RI -XGLFLDO$GPLQ 60437

Vermont* 6XSHULRU &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO


/HJLVODWLYHHOHFWLRQ

6WDWH 9 \UV 6XSUHPH &RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW7;

7 \UV <HV <HV 6WDWXWH )6XSUHPH &RXUW$GPLQ1 2UGHU







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Vermont, continued* 'LVWULFW &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO


/HJLVODWLYHHOHFWLRQ

6WDWH 9 \UV 6XSUHPH &RXUWDSSRLQWPHQW7;

a 2QHDGPLQLVWUDWLYHMXGJH IRU6XSHULRU/'LVWULFW/DQG IDPLO\FRXUW

a a

* )DPLO\ &RXUW 6XSHULRU2'LVWULFW MXGJHV

6HUYH DV )DPLO\&RXUW MXGJHV

a a a a a a a a




a a a a

Virginia ,QWHULP DSSRLQWPHQWV* &LUFXLW &RXUW *RYHUQRU

DSSRLQWPHQW/HJLVODWLYHDSSRLQWPHQW

/HJLVODWLYHDSSRLQWPHQW

&LUFXLW ; \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 5 \UV <HV /LPLWHG 6WDWXWH

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW &LUFXLW FRXUWMXGJHDSSRLQWPHQW



'LVWULFW 9 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 5 \UV <HV /LPLWHG 6WDWXWH

Washington* 6XSHULRU &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO


HOHFWLRQ6XSHULRU 7 \UV 9DULHV 9DULHV 9DULHV <HV &RXUW 5XOH

/ 'LVWULFW &RXUW &RXQW\DSSRLQWPHQW


'LVWULFW 7 \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 0D[=4 \U

<HV <HV &RXUW 5XOH

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW &LW\DSSRLQWPHQW

0D\RUDO2FLW\ FRXQFLODSSRLQWHG

0D\RUDO2FLW\FRXQFLODSSRLQWHG)XOO WLPH0XQLFLSDO&RXUW MXGJHVPXVW VWDQGIRUQRQSDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ

0XQLFLSDOLW\

7/ XQOHVVPD\RUFKDQJHV

&RXUW VHOHFWLRQ 0D[=4 \U

<HV <HV &RXUW 5XOH

West Virginia* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO


HOHFWLRQ'LVWULFW ; \UV &RXUW VHOHFWLRQ $W

SOHDVXUH<HV a a

/ 0DJLVWUDWH &RXUW 6XSHUYLVLQJMXGJHDSSRLQWPHQW


&RXQW\ 7 \UV 6XSHUYLVLQJ MXGJHDSSRLQWPHQW

$WSOHDVXUH

<HV a a



0XQLFLSDOLW\

/RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG


a a a a

Wisconsin* &LUFXLW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO


HOHFWLRQ&RXQW\ 9 \UV &2/5

DSSRLQWPHQW7<5 \UV <HV83 <HV 6XSUHPH &RXUW

5XOH/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW 1RQSDUWLVDQ

HOHFWLRQ1RQSDUWLVDQ HOHFWLRQ 1RQSDUWLVDQ

HOHFWLRQ0XQLFLSDOLW\

1RW OHVVWKDQ 5 RUPRUH WKDQ7 \HDUV

/RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG84

/RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG

/RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG

/RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG

/RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG

Wyoming* 'LVWULFW &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ


a a a a


1RQSDUWLVDQHOHFWLRQ



a a a a

/ 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW 0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW

0D\RUDODSSRLQWPHQW

/RFDOO\GHWHUPLQHG

0XQLFLSDOLW\


a a a a







0HWKRG RI5HWHQWLRQ


/HQJWK RI7HUP

0HWKRG RI6HOHFWLRQ

7HUP RI2IILFH




Wyoming, continued/ &RXQW\ &RXUW *XEHUQDWRULDO



5HWHQWLRQHOHFWLRQ


a a a a

Federal86 'LVWULFW &RXUW 6DPH DV IXOO

WHUP3UHVLGHQWLDODSSRLQWPHQW VXEMHFWWR 6HQDWHFRQILUPDWLRQ

a 'LVWULFW /LIH 6HQLRULW\88 : \UV 1R a a

86 0DJLVWUDWH 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

$SSRLQWHG E\ 86'LVWULFW &RXUW 3DQHOV

&LUFXLW-XGLFLDO&RXQFLOUHFDOO86

'LVWULFW ; \UV IXOO0WLPH/ 7 \UVSDUW0WLPH

89 a a a a

86 %DQNUXSWF\ 6DPH DV IXOOWHUP

$SSRLQWHG E\ 86$SSHOODWH &RXUW3DQHOV

$G KRFUHFDOO87

47 \UV 'HVLJQDWHG E\ DPDMRULW\ RI WKH'LVWULFW MXGJHV RIWKH FRXUWV

a a a a

FOOTNOTES:

Alabama:1The counties of Baldwin, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile and Tuscaloosa usegubernatorial appointment from the recommendations of judicial nominatingcommission.2If court cannot agree, Supreme Court decides.3Length of term is 2 years, if position is part-time.

Alaska:4 Judge must run for retention at next general election immediately following thethird year from time of initial appointment.5Judges must run for retention at first general election held more than one yearafter appointment.6Judges selected on a statewide basis but run for retention on a district-widebasis.7Gubernatorial appointment from judicial nominating commission. The judge mustrun for retention at first general election held more than one year afterappointment.

Arizona:8In the two most populous counties (Maricopa and Pima), such appointments arefrom a list submitted by the Judicial Nominating Commission. The method forsubmitting names for the other 13 counties varies.9Maricopa and Pima counties use the Gubernatorial appointment process for allvacancies. The other 13 counties hold non-partisan elections.10There is one justice of the peace per precinct. In counties having four or morejustices of the peace, a presiding justice of the peace is chosen by a vote of thejustices of the peace in that county, with the advice and consent of the PresidingJudge of the Superior Court in that county.

Arkansas:11In circuit and chancery courts the office can be held till December 31 followingthe next general election, and then partisan election for remainder of term.

California:12If unopposed for reelection, incumbent’s name does not appear on ballot unlessa petition was filed 83 days before the election date requesting the name toappear. An unopposed incumbent is not declared elected until the election date. This is for the general election. Different timing for primary elections. See Elec.Code §8203.

Colorado:13The mayor appoints Denver County Court judges.

Connecticut:14Governor nominates from candidates submitted by Judicial SelectionCommission.15The Chief Court Administrator appoints an Administrative Judge for eachJudicial District. The Administrative Judges serve at the pleasure of the ChiefCourt Administrator and may succeed themselves. Sec. 51-5a(3) of theConnecticut General Statutes is the source of the authority for their appointment. Their jurisdiction is the Judicial District.

District of Columbia:16Judicial Nomination Commission nominates for presidential appointment. If theCommission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure evaluates a sitting judge as "wellqualified" the judge is automatically reappointed for a new term of 15 years. If thecommission evaluates the judge as "qualified" the President may renominatehim/her subject to Senate confirmation; if the commission evaluates the judgeunqualified the judge is ineligible for reappointment. (Please note: There are twoentities involved in judicial appointments and reappointments in D.C.: TheJudicial Nomination Commission and the Commission on Judicial Disabilities andTenure.)

Georgia:17In one county election. Associate judges (formerly referees) must be a memberof the state bar or a law school graduate. They serve at the pleasure of thejudge(s). Most juvenile courts have only one judge, therefore no presiding judge. Otherwise, seniority.18In 29 of 159 counties probate judges are selected in non-partisan elections.

Hawaii:19The family courts are a division of circuit courts. Family court judges are eithercircuit court judges assigned to the family court or are district court-level judges(district/family judges).

Idaho:19The Supreme Court appoints the administrative judge for up to two years ifDistrict Court judges unable to elect.20The Magistrate Commission consists of the administrative judge, 3 mayors and2 electors appointed by the Governor; and 2 attorneys, nominated by the DistrictBar and appointed by the State Bar. There is one commission in each district.

Illinois:21Unit less than county in Cook County.


Legend: ~=Not applicable Judicial selection and service 49

Indiana:22Until gubernatorial appointment or next general election.23Nominating commissions are used in Superior Courts in Allen and St. Josephcounties. Non-partisan elections in Vanderburgh and in some Lake county courts.

Iowa:24The District Court chief judge serves the entire court, including the DistrictAssociate judges and the judicial magistrates.25The county judicial magistrate appointing commission consists of 3 membersappointed by county board and 2 elected by county bar, presided over by a DistrictCourt judge.26Shall supervise all judicial officers and court employees serving within thedistrict. Fix the times and places of holding court, and shall designate therespective presiding judges, supervise the performance of all administrative andjudicial business of the district, allocate the workloads of District Associate judgesand magistrates, and conduct judicial conferences to consider, study, and plan forimprovement of the administration of justice.

Kansas:27In two counties the municipal court judges are selected and appointed by theDistrict Court judges.

Kentucky:28In addition, there are 16 chief regional judges (8 circuit, 8 district), selected bythe Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for regional administration of cases.

Louisiana:29Depending upon the amount of time remaining, selection may be by nonpartisanelection following Supreme Court appointment.

Maine:30At least one judge must be appointed from each of the thirteen districts who is aresident of the county in which the district lies.

Maryland:31Administrative judges are appointed by the Chief Justice of District Court withthe approval of the Chief Justice of Court of Appeals.32Presiding judge for trial assigned by county administrative judge. Unsurewhether “presiding” judge is administrative position. Maryland has 3 chief judges(COA; CSA; District Court). Chief judges by seniority and circuit/countyadministrative judges.

Massachusetts:33The administrative head of the trial court is the “Chief Justice for Administrationand Management.” Each department has a Chief Justice appointed by the“CJAM” to a 5 year term.

Minnesota:34In each judicial district, the Chief Judge, subject to the authority of the ChiefJustice, shall exercise general administrative authority over the courts within thejudicial district. The Chief Judge shall make assignments of judges to serve onthe courts within the judicial district, and assignments may be made without theconsent of the judges affected. The Chief Judge may assign any judge of anycourt within the judicial district to hear any matter in any court of the judicialdistrict. When a judge of a court is assigned to another court the judge is vestedwith the powers of a judge of the court of assignment. A judge may not beassigned to hear matters outside the judge’s judicial district pursuant to thissubdivision.

Nebraska:35The initial term is for at least 3 but not more than 5 years.

New Jersey:36In multimunicipality joint or countywide municipal courts, selection is by governorwith senate's consent.37In municipalities with more than one judge, the governing body may appoint a“chief” judge. Regional Presiding Judges (Superior or Municipal Court Judges)are selected by the Chief Justice to assist in the administrative operations of themunicipal courts in any of the 15 judicial administrative districts (i.e., vicinages). There are currently 9 Presiding Judges-Municipal Courts representing 12 thestate’s 15 vicinages.38On reappointment till age 70.39The position of Presiding Judge-Municipal Court is established by Statute(N.J.S.A. 2B:12-9). Presiding Judges exercise the powers delegated to them bythe Chief Justice and the Rules of Court.

New Mexico:40The Governor must select a candidate from a list submitted by the district ormetropolitan judges committee created by the constitution.

New York:41Appointment by Chief Executive Officer of county with confirmation by Board ofSupervisors of district.42Housing judges are appointed for five year terms by the chief administrator ofthe courts.

North Carolina:43Partisan election (resident judges), gubernatorial appointment (special judges).

Ohio:44Temporary assignment by chief justice of Supreme Court.

South Dakota:45The circuit court presiding judge serves the entire court, including the lawmagistrates division.

Texas:46There is a local administrative judge for statutory county courts (CCL) but noConstitutional County courts.

Utah:47Initial term of appointment is until the next general election, immediatelyfollowing the third year from the time of initial appointment.

Vermont:48Administrative Judge for trial courts.

Wisconsin:49The chief judge of a district can appoint a presiding judge in each multi-judgecircuit.50Restricted to three successive terms.51There is only 1 multi-judge Municipal Court.

Puerto Rico:52The 1994 Judiciary Act states that upon expiration of a district court judge termthe position becomes a superior court judge position.

Federal:53May be recalled by the Circuit Judicial Council with consent of the Chief Justicefor a maximum of up to one year.54Ad hoc recall may be for a fixed (renewable) period of three years.55The office is filled by the judge in regular active service who, at the time ofvacancy: (1) is senior in commission, (2) is under the age of 65, (3) has served atleast one year as a District judge, and (4) who has not previously served as chiefjudge.56A “chief” or “administrative” magistrate judge position has not been formallyestablished by statute or regulation.

Table 8. Qualifications to Serve as a Trial Court Judge

Legend: N/S=Not stated, ~=Not applicable50 State Court Organization, 1998

Court TypeG = General jurisdictionL = Limited jurisdiction

LocalResidency

StateResidency

MinimumAge

MaximumAge Law Degree Other Legal Qualifications

AlabamaG Circuit Court 1 yr 1 yr N/S 701 Yes Licensed attorneyL District Court 1 yr 1 yr N/S 70 Yes Licensed attorneyL Municipal Court Yes 1 yr 18 70 Yes Licensed attorneyL Probate Court 1 yr2 Citizen2 N/S2 70 No2 N/S

AlaskaG Superior Court N/S 5 yrs N/S 70 Yes 5 yrs practiceL District Court N/S 5 yrs 21 70 Yes ~3

~ Magistrates4 N/S 6 mos 21 N/S No N/S

ArizonaG Superior Court5 1 yr 5 yrs 30 70 Yes Admitted to the practice of law in

Arizona 5 yearsL Justice of the Peace Court Yes Yes 18 70 No N/SL Municipal Court Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies

ArkansasG Circuit Court N/S 2 yrs 28 N/S Yes 6 yrs practice/benchG Chancery/Probate Court N/S 2 yrs 28 N/S Yes 6 yrs practice/benchL Municipal Court Yes 2 yrs 25 N/S Yes 3 yrs practice/benchL County Court Yes N/S 25 N/S No N/SL Police Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes N/SL Court of Common Pleas Yes N/S 25 N/S No N/SL City Court N/S N/S N/S N/S No N/SL Justice of the Peace Court N/S N/S N/S N/S No N/S

CaliforniaG Superior Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes 10 yrs state barL Municipal 54 days Yes N/S N/S Yes 5 yrs state bar

ColoradoG District Court Yes Yes N/S 72 Yes 5 yrs state barG Denver Probate Court Yes N/S N/S 72 Yes 5 yrs state barG Denver Juvenile Court Yes N/S N/S 72 Yes 5 yrs state barG Water Court Yes N/S N/S N/S N/S N/SL County Court Yes N/S N/S 72 No6 N/SL Municipal Court N/S N/S N/S 72 No N/S

ConnecticutG Superior Court No Yes N/S 70 Yes Member of the barL Probate Court Yes7 Yes 18 70 No No

DelawareG Court of Chancery No Yes N/S N/S Yes "Learned in Law"G Superior Court Yes Yes N/S N/S Yes "Learned in Law"L Justice of the Peace Court Yes Yes N/S N/S No N/SL Family Court Yes8 5 yrs N/S N/S Yes 5 yrs state barL Court of Common Pleas Yes Yes N/S N/S Yes 5 yrs state barL Alderman's Court N/S N/S N/S N/S No9 No

District of ColumbiaG Superior Court 90 days District

residencyN/S 74 Yes 5 yrs state bar10

FloridaG Circuit Court Yes11 Yes N/S 70 Yes 5 yrs state barL County Court Yes12 Yes N/S 70 Yes 5 yrs state bar


Legend: N/S=Not stated, ~=Not applicable Judicial selection and service 51


LocalResidency

StateResidency

MinimumAge


GeorgiaG Superior Court N/S 3 yr 30 N/S13 Yes 7 yrs state barL Juvenile Court N/S 3 yr 30 N/S Yes 5 yrs state barL Civil Court Varies Varies Varies N/S Yes VariesL State Court Yes 3 yr 25 N/S14 Yes 5 yrs state barL Probate Court 2 yrs N/S 2515 N/S Varies Not required of all16

L Magistrate Court 1 yr N/S 25 N/S No N/S17

L Municipal Court of Columbus Yes N/S 25 N/S Yes 5 yrs state barL County Recorder's Courts Varies Yes Varies N/S Yes VariesL Municipal and City Courts of Atlanta Varies N/S Varies Varies Varies Varies

HawaiiG Circuit Court N/S Yes N/S 70 Yes 10 yrs state barL District Court N/S Yes N/S 70 Yes 5 yrs state bar

IdahoG District Court N/S 1 yr N/S N/S Yes 10 yrs state bar~ Magistrates Division N/S 1 yr 30 N/S Yes 5 yrs state bar

IllinoisG Circuit Court Yes Yes N/S 75 Yes N/S

IndianaG Superior Court Yes 1 yr N/S N/S Yes N/SG Circuit Court Yes 1 yr N/S N/S Yes N/SG Probate Court Yes 1 yr N/S N/S Yes N/SL County Court Yes 1 yr N/S N/S Yes N/SL City Court Yes N/S N/S N/S No N/SL Town Court Yes N/S N/S N/S No N/SL Small Claims Court of Marion County Yes N/S N/S N/S Yes18 N/S

IowaG District Court Yes N/S N/S 72 Yes N/S~ Magistrates Yes N/S 18 72 No N/S

KansasG District Court Yes N/S N/S 7019 Yes20 5 yrs state barL Municipal Court N/S N/S 18 N/S Varies21 N/S

KentuckyG Circuit Court 2 yrs 2 yrs N/S N/S Yes 8 yrs state barL District Court 2 yrs 2 yrs N/S N/S Yes 2 yrs state bar

LouisianaG District Court 2 yrs 2 yrs N/S 70 Yes 5 yrs state barG Family and Juvenile Court 2 yrs 2 yrs N/S 70 Yes 5 yrs state barL Justice of the Peace Court 2 yrs 2 yrs N/S 70 No N/SL Mayor's Court N/S N/S N/S N/S No N/SL City and Parish Courts 2 yrs 2 yrs N/S 70 Yes 5 yrs state bar

MaineG Superior Court N/S N/S N/S N/S No "Learned in the Law"L District Court N/S Yes N/S N/S Yes State bar memberL Probate Court N/S Yes N/S N/S Yes State bar memberL Administrative Court N/S Yes N/S N/S Yes State bar member

MarylandG Circuit Court 6 mos 5 yrs 30 70 Yes State bar memberL District Court 6 mos 5 yrs 30 70 Yes State bar memberL Orphan's Court 1 yr N/S N/S N/S No N/S




LocalResidency

StateResidency

MinimumAge


MassachusettsG Superior Court N/S N/S N/S 70 No N/SL District Court N/S N/S N/S 70 No N/SL Boston Municipal Court N/S N/S N/S 70 No N/SL Juvenile Court N/S N/S N/S 70 No N/SL Housing Court N/S N/S N/S 70 No N/SL Land Court N/S N/S N/S 70 No N/SL Probate and Family Court N/S N/S N/S 70 No N/S

MichiganG Circuit Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes State bar memberG Court of Claims N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes State bar memberL District Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes State bar memberL Probate Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes State bar memberL Municipal Court Yes N/S N/S 70 Yes State bar member

MinnesotaG District Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes State bar member

MississippiG Circuit Court N/S 5 yrs 26 N/S Yes 5 yrs practiceG Chancery Court N/S 5 yrs 26 N/S Yes 5 yrs practiceL County Court Yes 5 yrs 26 N/S Yes 5 yrs practiceL Family Court N/S 5 yrs 26 N/S Yes 5 yrs practiceL Municipal Court Yes Yes N/S N/S Yes22 N/SL Justice Court Yes Yes 18 N/S No N/S

MissouriG Circuit Court Circuit State votes

for 3 yrs30 70 Yes State bar member

~ Associates County Yes 25 70 Yes State bar memberL Municipal Court Determined

bymunicipality

Yes 21 7523 Varies State bar member if population of7,500 or more24

MontanaG District Court N/S 2 yrs N/S N/S Yes 5 yrs state barG Workers' Compensation Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes N/SG Water Court N/S 2 yrs N/S N/S Yes 5 yrs state barL Justice of the Peace Court 1 yr N/S N/S N/S No25 N/SL Municipal Court Yes N/S N/S N/S Yes 2 yrs state barL City Court County N/S N/S N/S No N/S

NebraskaG District Court Yes N/S 30 N/S Yes 5 yrs practiceL Separate Juvenile Court Yes N/S 30 N/S Yes 5 yrs practiceL Worker's Compensation Court Yes N/S 30 N/S Yes 5 yrs practiceL County Court Yes N/S 30 N/S Yes 5 yrs practice

NevadaG District Court N/S 2 yrs 25 N/S Yes N/SL Justice Court 30 days 6 months N/S N/S Varies VariesL Municipal Court Varies Varies N/S N/S Varies Varies

New HampshireG Superior Court N/S N/S N/S 70 N/S N/SL District Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes State bar memberL Municipal Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes State bar memberL Probate Court N/S N/S N/S 70 N/S N/S

New JerseyG Superior Court 26 26 N/S 70 Yes 10 yrs practice lawL Tax Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes 10 yrs practice lawL Municipal Court N/S Yes N/S N/S Yes 5 yrs practice law




LocalResidency

StateResidency

MinimumAge


New MexicoG District Court Yes 3 yrs 35 N/S Yes 6 yrs active practiceL Magistrate Court Yes Yes 18 N/S No N/SL Bernalillo County Metropolitan Yes 3 yrs N/S N/S Yes 3 yrs active practice and state bar

memberL Municipal Court Yes Yes 18 N/S No N/SL Probate Court Yes Yes 18 N/S No N/S

New YorkG Supreme Court N/S Yes 18 7027 Yes 10 yrs state barG County Court County Yes 18 70 Yes 5 yrs state barL District Court Yes Yes 18 70 Yes 5 yrs state barL City Court Yes Yes 18 70 Yes 5 yrs state barL Criminal Court of NYC Yes Yes 18 70 Yes 10 yrs state barL Town and Village Yes Yes 18 N/S No N/SL Court of Claims N/S Yes 18 70 Yes 10 yrs state barL Surrogates' Court County Yes 18 70 Yes 10 yrs state barL Family Court Yes Yes 18 70 Yes 10 yrs state bar

North CarolinaG Superior Court ~28 ~ N/S 72 ~29 State bar memberL District Court Yes ~ N/S 72 ~29 State bar member

North DakotaG District Court Yes N/S N/S N/S Yes State bar memberL Municipal Court Yes N/S N/S N/S N/S30 N/S30

OhioG Court of Common Pleas County Yes N/S 70 Yes 6 yrs practiceL Municipal Court Territorial Yes N/S 70 Yes 6 yrs practiceL County Court Territorial Yes N/S 70 Yes 2 yrs practiceL Court of Claims N/S Yes N/S No Yes ~31

L Mayors Court N/S Yes N/S No No N/S

OklahomaG District Court District 6 mos, if

electedN/S N/S Yes ~32

Associate County 6 mos, ifelected

N/S N/S Yes ~33

Special N/S Yes N/S N/S No N/SL Municipal Criminal Court N/S Yes N/S N/S No ~33

L Municipal Court Not of Record N/S Yes N/S N/S Yes N/SL Workers' Compensation Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes N/SL Court of Tax Review N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes N/S

OregonG Circuit Court Yes Yes N/S 75 Yes State bar memberG Tax Court N/S 3 yrs N/S 75 Yes 3 yrs state barL County Court N/S N/S N/S 75 No N/SL Justice Court 1 yr 3 yrs N/S 75 No N/SL Municipal Court N/S N/S N/S 75 No N/S

PennsylvaniaG Court of Common Pleas Yes 1 yr N/S 70 Yes State bar memberL Philadelphia Municipal Court Yes 1 yr N/S 70 Yes State bar memberL District Justice Court Yes 1 yr N/S 70 No Not requiredL Philadelphia Traffic Court Yes 1 yr N/S 70 No Not requiredL Pittsburgh City Magistrates Yes Yes N/S 70 No Not required

Puerto RicoCourt of First Instance:G Superior Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes 7 yrs state barL District Court34 N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes ~34

L Municipal Court N/S N/S N/S 70 Yes 3 yrs State bar member




LocalResidency

StateResidency

MinimumAge


Rhode IslandG Superior Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes State bar memberL District Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes State bar memberL Family Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes State bar memberL Probate Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes State bar memberL Municipal Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes State bar memberL Workers' Compensation Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes State bar memberL Administrative Adjudication Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes State bar member

South CarolinaG Circuit Court N/S 5 yrs 32 72 Yes 8 yrs state barL Family Court N/S 5 yrs 32 72 Yes 8 yrs state barL Magistrate Court N/S 5 yrs 21 72 No NoL Probate Court County

electorCitizen 21 N/S No No

L Municipal Court N/S N/S N/S N/S No No

South DakotaG Circuit Court Yes Yes N/S 70 Yes State bar member~ Law Magistrates Yes Yes N/S N/S Yes State bar member~ Lay Magistrates Yes Yes N/S N/S No H.S. graduate or GED~ Clerk/Magistrates Yes Yes N/S N/S No H.S. graduate or GED

TennesseeG Circuit Court 1 yr 5 yrs 30 N/S Yes Qualified to practice lawG Chancery Court 1 yr 5 yrs 30 N/S Yes Qualified to practice lawG Criminal Court 1 yr 5 yrs 30 N/S Yes Qualified to practice lawG Probate Court 1 yr 5 yrs 30 N/S Yes Qualified to practice lawL Juvenile Court 1 yr 5 yrs 30 N/S Yes Qualified to practice law

w/grandfathering provisionsL Municipal Court 1 yr 5 yrs 30 N/S Yes Qualified to practice law

w/grandfathering provisionsL General Sessions Court 1 yr 5 yrs 30 N/S Yes Qualified to practice law

w/grandfathering provisions

TexasG District Courts 2 yrs N/S 25 75 Yes Yes35

L Constitutional County Court N/S N/S N/S N/S No NoL County Courts at Law 2 yrs N/S 25 N/S Yes Yes36

L Justice of the Peace Court N/S N/S N/S N/S No NoL Municipal Court Varies N/S Varies Varies Varies Varies

UtahG District Court Yes 3 yrs 25 75 Yes State bar memberL Justice Court 6 mos 3 yrs 25 75 No N/SL Juvenile Court Yes 3 yrs 25 75 Yes State bar member

VermontG Superior Court N/S 5 yrs N/S 70 Yes37 5 yrs state barG District Court 38 5 yrs N/S 70 Yes 5 yrs state barG Family Court 39 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~L Probate Court N/S 1 yr N/S 70 No N/SL Environmental Court N/S 5 yrs N/S 70 Yes 5 yrs state bar

VirginiaG Circuit Court Yes Yes N/S 70 Yes40 5 yrs state barL District Court Yes Yes N/S 70 Yes40 5 yrs state bar

WashingtonG Superior Court 1 yr 1 yr N/S 75 Yes State bar memberL District Court 1 yr 1 yr N/S 75 Yes41 N/SL Municipal Court County N/S N/S N/S Yes41 N/S

West VirginiaG Circuit Court Yes Yes 30 N/S Yes 5 yrs state barL Magistrate Court Yes Yes 21 N/S 42 N/SL Municipal Court No Yes N/S N/S No N/S




LocalResidency

StateResidency

MinimumAge


WisconsinG Circuit Court 10 days 10 days N/S N/S Yes 5 yrs state barL Municipal Court 10 days 10 days N/S N/S Locally

determinedLocally determined

WyomingG District Court N/S 2 yrs 28 70 Yes N/SL Justice of the Peace Court N/S Yes N/S N/S No N/SL Municipal Court N/S N/S N/S N/S No N/SL County Court N/S N/S N/S N/S Yes N/S

FederalUS District Court Judges Yes43 ~ N/S N/S N/S N/SUS Magistrate Judges ~ ~ N/S 7044 N/S 5 yrs state bar45

and 5 yrs practiceUS Bankruptcy Judges Yes43 ~ N/S N/S N/S N/S

FOOTNOTES:

Alabama:1The age prohibition of §6.16 is not a qualification for office, but only deals withretirement.2One of probate judgeships in Jefferson County requires that judge be learned inthe law, a minimum age of 25 and resident of county for one year.

Alaska:3District Court: trial judge must have three years practice or have served as amagistrate for seven years.4Magistrates serve in district court.

Arizona:5The tax court is a department of the Superior Court; it is not a separate court.

Colorado:6County Court: a law degree is required in metropolitan areas.

Connecticut:7Probate Court: must be an elector of a town within the district.

Delaware:8There are local residency requirements for the Chief Judge of family court.9Alderman's Court: in the city of Newark, a law degree is required.

District of Columbia:10Superior court: judge must also be an active member of the unified District ofColumbia bar and have been engaged, during the five years immediatelypreceding the judicial nomination, in the active practice of law in the District, or thefaculty of a law school in the District, or employed as an attorney by the UnitedStates, or District of Columbia government.

Florida:11Circuit court: must reside within the territorial jurisdiction of the court.12County court: judges must reside within the territorial jurisdiction of the court.

Georgia:13Superior court: there is no maximum age stated; however, judges who aremembers of the 1976 retirement plan and serve beyond age 75 may not beeligible for retirement benefits.14State court: no maximum age stated; however, if a member of the Trial JudgesRetirement Plan after 1/1/80 and serves beyond age 70, benefits are forfeited.15The minimum age requirement for probate judges is 25. If law practice isrequired, the minimum age is 30.16Where the population exceeds 96,000, the probate judge must have practicedlaw for seven years.17Magistrate court: the laws of local application may provide for additional legalqualifications.

Indiana:18Small Claims Court of Marion County: a law degree is required unless a non-attorney judge has been grandfathered in.

Kansas:19Judge may complete term in which he/she attains age 70.20District court: a law degree is required for 149 of 218 judgeships. The remainingsixty-nine judgeships are district magistrate judges, not required to have a lawdegree, but must be certified by the supreme court if not an attorney.21Municipal courts require admission to practice law in Kansas in first class cities(24); other municipal judges and district magistrate judges are required to becertified as qualified to serve by the supreme court, if not admitted to practice lawin Kansas.

Mississippi:22For cities over 10,000 population.

Missouri:23Maximum age reduced to 70 effective 8/28/93.24If not an attorney, must complete course prescribed by supreme court.

Montana:25Justice of the peace court: although a law degree is not required, the judges maybe attorneys, must have served in judicial capacity for at least 5 years; andpassed the certification exam (the requirement of passing the certification exammay be waived by the supreme court).

New Jersey:26Superior court: out of a total of 416 authorized judgeships (including thirty-threein the appellate division), there are 274 restricted superior court judgeships thatrequire residence within the particular county of assignment at time ofappointment and reappointment; there are 142 unrestricted judgeships for whichassignment of county is made by the chief justice.

New York:27Supreme court: the maximum age of 70 may be extended up to three intervals oftwo years each.

North Carolina:28Yes, resident judges. No, special judges.29Law degree not required if elected prior to January 1, 1981.

North Dakota:30Municipal court: a law degree and state bar membership is required in cities withover 3,000 population.

Ohio:31Must be incumbent or retired judges, justices of supreme court, court of appeals,or court of common pleas.

Oklahoma:32District court: judges must be a state bar member for four years or a judge ofcourt of record.33Associate judges and municipal court of records: judges must be a state barmember for two years or a judge of court record.

Table 8—Qualifications to Serve as a Trial Court Judges


Puerto Rico:34The 1994 Judiciary Act states that upon expiration of a district judge term theposition turns into a superior court judge until district court judges positions are allconverted into superior judges positions.

Texas:35District court: judges must have been a practicing lawyer or a judge of a court inthis state, or both combined, for four years.36County court at law: judges must be a licensed attorney in this state who haspracticed law or served as a judge at a court in this state, or both combined, for atleast four years, unless otherwise provided for by law.

Vermont:37Required only for superior court judges; not for assistant judges.38Must reside in geographic unit.39Superior or district court judges are assigned to serve as family court judges;qualifications are the same.

Virginia:40Circuit/district courts: judges must have a law degree or have completed anapproved three-year course of study under the supervision of a practicingattorney.

Washington:41Statute allows non attorneys to serve in districts less than 5,000 population, afterbeing certified on a qualifying examination.

West Virginia:42Magistrate court: all magistrates must take a course in rudimentary principles oflaw before assuming duties.

Federal:43District residency is required, except in the District of Columbia, and theSouthern and Eastern Districts of NY.44For initial appointment, must not be 70 years or older. However, a magistratejudge may continue to serve and be reappointed after age 70 upon a majority voteof the active district judges of the court, which is taken when the judge reachesage 70 and upon each anniversary thereafter.45The bar requirement may be waived for a part-time magistrate judge if theappointing court and the Judicial Conference of the US determine that no qualifiedindividual who is a member of the bar is available to serve at a specific location.

Table 9. Judicial Nominating Commissions


Name of Commission Offices Encompassed Authorization Year Established Interim Full RetentionAlabama Judicial Commission Jefferson County Circuit Court,

Madison County Circuit andDistrict Court, TuscaloosaCounty Circuit and DistrictCourt, Mobile County Circuitand District Court

Jefferson CountyAuthorization: 2ConstitutionalAmendments; MadisonCounty Authorization:ConstitutionalAmendments and LocalAct; Mobile CountyAuthorization:ConstitutionalAmendment; TuscaloosaCounty Authorization:Local Act

Jefferson County,1950; MadisonCounty, 1973;Mobile County,1982; TuscaloosaCounty, 1990

Yes No No

Alaska Judicial Council Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, Superior Court, andDistrict Court

Constitutional andStatutory

1959 ~ Yes No

Arizona Commission on AppellateCourt Appointments,Maricopa CountyCommission on TrialCourt Appointments;Pima CountyCommission on TrialCourt Appointments

Arizona Supreme CourtCourt of AppealsSuperior Court in MaricopaCountySuperior Court in Pima County

Constitutional 1974 Yes Yes No

Colorado Appellate CourtNominating Commission,Judicial DistrictNominating Commission

Appellate Court NominatingCommittee: Supreme Courtand Court of Appeals; JudicialDistrict Nominating Committee:District and County Courts(except Denver County Court)

Constitutional 1966 ~ Yes No

Connecticut Judicial SelectionCommission

Supreme, Appellate, andSuperior Courts

Constitutional 1986 Yes Yes Yes

Delaware Judicial NominatingCommittee MagistratesScreening Committee

Judicial NominatingCommittee: All, including ChiefMagistrate (not JOP);Magistrate ScreeningCommittee: Justices of thePeace (except ChiefMagistrate)

Executive order 1979 Yes Yes Yes

District of Columbia Judicial NominationCommission

Court of Appeals and SuperiorCourt

Statutory 1973 ~ Yes Yes

Florida Supreme CourtNominating Committee;District Courts of AppealNominating Committee;Circuit Judicial NominatingCommittee

Appellate Court NominatingCommittee, Supreme Courtand District Court of Appeal Circuit, County CourtNominating Committee CircuitJudicial

Appellate: Constitutional;Circuit Constitutional

Appellate: 1973; Circuit: 1973

Appellate: Yes; Circuit: Yes

Appellate: Yes; Circuit: No

Appellate: No; Circuit: No

Georgia Judicial NominatingCommission

Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, Superior, State Court:All where Governor appoints orfills vacancies

Executive Order 1973 Yes No1 No

Hawaii Judicial SelectionCommission

Supreme Court, IntermediateCourt of Appeals, Circuit,Family, and District Courts

Constitutional 1978 ~ Yes Yes

Idaho Judicial Council Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, and District CourtJudges

Statutory 1967 Yes No2 No


Legend: ~=Not applicable58 State Court Organization, 1998

Name of Commission Offices Encompassed Authorization Year Established Interim Full RetentionIndiana Judicial Nominating

CommissionSupreme Court, Court ofAppeals, and Tax Court

Constitutional 1970 ~ Yes No

Iowa Judicial NominatingCommission and DistrictJudicial NominatingCommission

JNC: Supreme Court andCourt of Appeals DJNC:District Court

JNC: Constitutional,DJNC: Constitutional andstatutory

1962 Yes Yes No

Kansas Appellate: SupremeCourt and Court ofAppeals NominatingCommissions; Trial Court:District JudicialNominating Commission

Appellate: Supreme Court andCourt of Appeals; DJNC:District Court

Both: Constitutional andStatutory, Statutory (IAC)and Trial Courts

Appellate: 1959(Supreme Ct), 1976(Court of Appeals);Trial Court: 1975

Appellate: Yes; TrialCourt: Yes

Appellate: Yes; TrialCourt: Yes

Both: No

Kentucky Judicial NominatingCommission

Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, Circuit Court, andDistrict Court

Constitutional Ratified: Nov. 1975Effective: 1/76

Yes No No

Maryland Appellate JudicialNominating Commissionand Trial Courts JudicialNominating Commission

Appellate Court NominatingCommission: Judges of theCourt of Appeals and Court ofSpecial Appeals; Trial CourtsJudicial NominatingCommission: Judges of theCircuit Courts and the DistrictCourt

Executive order 19703 Yes Appellate:Yes; Trial:Yes

Appellate:No; Trial:Circuit: YesDistrict: No

Massachusetts Judicial NominatingCommission

Justices of the SupremeJudicial Court, Appeals Court,and Trial Court of theCommonwealth; some clerk-magistrates

Executive order Temporarily 1972

Permanently 1975

~ Yes ~

Minnesota Judicial NominatingCommittee

District Court Statutory ~ Yes No4 No

Missouri Appellate JudicialCommission; and CircuitJudicial Commission

Appellate: Supreme Court andCourt of Appeals; Circuit: Circuit Court

Constitutional Appellate: 1940;Circuit: varies

~ Yes No

Montana Judicial NominatingCommittee

Supreme Court, District Court,Workers' Compensation Court,and Water Court

Statutory (from earliersurvey)

1973 Yes Yes,Workers'Compensation Courtand WaterCourt only

Yes,Workers'Compensation Courtand WaterCourt only

Nebraska Judicial NominatingCommission

All Nebraska courts Constitutional 1962 ~ Yes No

Nevada Commission on JudicialSelection

Supreme Court and DistrictCourt

Constitutional 1976 Yes No No

New Mexico Appellate JudgesNominating Commission;District JudgesNominating Committee;Metropolitan Court JudgesNominating Committee

Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, District Courts, andMetropolitan Court


New York Court of AppealsNominating Commission

Court of Appeals Constitutional andStatutory

1978 No Yes No

State Judicial ScreeningCommittee

Court of Claims Executive Order 1983 Yes Yes Yes

Departmental JudicialScreening Committee

Appellate Divisions ofSupreme Court and SupremeCourt

Executive Order 1983 SupremeCourt only

AppellateDivision only

Yes



Name of Commission Offices Encompassed Authorization Year Established Interim Full RetentionNew York, continued County Judicial Screening

CommitteeCounty, Surrogates', andFamily (outside NYC) Courts

Executive Order 1983 County,Surrogates',Family(outsideNYC)

No Yes

Mayor's Committee on theJudiciary

Criminal, Civil, and FamilyCourts

Executive Order (mayor) ~ Yes Yes(Criminal,Family only)

No

North Dakota Judicial NominatingCommittee

Supreme and District Courts Constitutional: SupremeCourt and District Courts

1981 Yes No No

Oklahoma Judicial NominatingCommittee

Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, Court of CriminalAppeals, District Court, andWorkers' Compensation Court

Constitutional: SupremeCourt and Court ofCriminal Appeals;Statutory: Court ofAppeals, District Court,and Workers'Compensation Court

1967 Yes No No

Pennsylvania Office of General Counselfor Governor JudicialAdvisory Commission

Office of General CounselAppellate Court JudgesJudicial Advisory CommissionTrial Court Judges

Executive Order1995-1(dated 2/27/95)

When need arises Yes No No

Rhode Island Judicial NominatingCommission

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

South Carolina Judicial Merit SelectionCommission

Supreme Court of Appeals,Circuit and Family

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

South Dakota Judicial QualificationsCommittee

Supreme and Circuit Courts Constitutional 1980 Yes No No

Tennessee Judicial Section Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, Court of CriminalAppeals

Statutory 1971 Yes No No

Utah Appellate CourtNominating Commission,Trial Court NominatingCommission5

Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, District Court, andJuvenile Court

Constitutional (statutory forcomposition)

1984 Yes Yes No

Vermont Judicial NominatingCommission

Supreme, Superior, District,and Environmental Courts andFamily Court magistrates

Constitutional andStatutory

1967 Yes Yes No

Wisconsin Governor's AdvisoryCommittee on JudicialSelection

Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, and Circuit Court

Executive Order ~ Yes No No

Wyoming Judicial NominatingCommittee

Supreme, District, and CountyCourt


Note: Only those states with Judicial Nominating Commissions appear on this table.

FOOTNOTES:Georgia:1Frequently the governor makes an initial appointment for a new judgeship,dependent upon the legislation.Idaho:2If a new position is created, applicants are screened by the judicial council.

Maryland:3The first nominating commissions were established in 1970; however, additionalcommissions have been instituted since that time and the commissionsrestructured.Minnesota:4If a new position is created, applicants are screened by the judicial council.Utah:5There is a trial court nominating commission for each of eight judicial districts.

Table 10. Provisions for Mandatory Judicial Education

Legend:~=Not Applicable, N/S=None Stated,S=State, M=Local, F=Fees, T=Tuition, ■=Yes60 State Court Organization, 1998

General Jurisdiction JudgesInitial/Pre-Bench Education Continuing Education

RequiredMandated

Hours Sources of Funding RequiredAnnual Mandated

Hours Sources of FundingAlabama ■ None S ■ None SAlaska None S ■ None S1

Arizona ■ 603 S/M/T ■ 16 S/M/TArkansas 6 None S ■ 12 S

California ■ 168 S None S/MColorado ■7 None S ■8 15 SConnecticut ■ 1019 S ■ 249 S

Delaware 13 None ~ ■ 30 SDistrict of Columbia None ~ None ~

Florida ■ 80 F ■ 10 S/F

Georgia ■ 12 S ■ 12 S

Hawaii None ~ ■ 32 S

Idaho None ~ ■ None SIllinois ■ None S None ~Indiana 16 None S ■ 36 S/M/TIowa 17 None S ■ 15 S

Kansas ■ None S ■ 12 S/FKentucky ■ 25 S ■ 2518 S

Louisiana 19 None ~ ■ 15 T

Maine 20 None ~ 20 None ~Maryland ■ None S ■ 28 SMassachusetts 21 None S 21 None SMichigan ■ 56 S ■ 12 SMinnesota ■ None S ■ 15 SMississippi ■ N/S F ■ 12 S/FMissouri None S 15 SMontana None ~ ■ 15 S

Nebraska None S None SNevada ■ 120 F ■ 12 M/FNew Hampshire ■ None S ■ 12 SNew Jersey ■ 70 S ■ 15 SNew Mexico None ~ ■ 15 S/F/TNew York ■ 35 N/S ■ 1222 SNorth Carolina ■ 1523 S ■ 1524 SNorth Dakota ■ 40 S ■ 15 S

Ohio None S ■ 20 S/M/TOklahoma None ~ ■ 12 SOregon None ~ ■ 4525 ~

Pennsylvania ■ 40 S None ~Puerto Rico ■ None S ■ None S

Rhode Island ■28 None S ■ 10 S

South Carolina ■ 17 S ■ 1529 S/TSouth Dakota None ~ ■ None S

Tennessee None S ■ 15 STexas 30 S30 ■ 16 S/M30

Utah ■ None S ■ 30 S

Vermont ■ 100 S ■ 64 SVirginia ■ 86 S ■ 12 S

Washington ■32 None S ■32 15 SWest Virginia ■ None S ■ 15 SWisconsin ■ 30 S ■ 30 SWyoming None ~ ■ 15 S


Legend: ~=Not Applicable, N/S=None Stated,S=State, M=Local, F=Fees, T=Tuition, ■=Yes Judicial selection and service 61

Limited Jurisdiction JudgesInitial/Pre-Bench Education Continuing Education

RequiredMandated


Hours Sources of FundingAlabama ■ None S ■ None SAlaska None S ■ None S2

Arizona ■ 754 S/M/T ■ 16 S/M/TArkansas None S ■ 12 S

California ■ 168 S ■ None S/MColorado ■7 None S ■8 15 SConnecticut ■ 20 ~10 ■ 15 ~10

Delaware ■ 375 S ■ 30 SDistrict of Columbia ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Florida ■ 80 F ■ 10 M/F

Georgia ■ N/S15 S/M/F ■ N/S15 S/M/F

Hawaii None ~ ■ 32 S

Idaho None ~ ■ None SIllinois ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Indiana 16 None S/M ■ 36 S/M/TIowa ■ 13 S ■ 15 S

Kansas ■ None S ■ 12 SKentucky ■ 25 S ■ 2518 S

Louisiana None ~ ■ 15 T

Maine 20 None ~ 20 None ~Maryland ■ None S ■ 28 SMassachusetts 21 None S 21 None SMichigan ■ 56 S ■ 12 SMinnesota ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Mississippi ■ 32 F ■ 18 FMissouri None S 15 SMontana None ~ ■ None M

Nebraska None S None SNevada ■ 80 F ■ 1 M/FNew Hampshire ■ None S ■ 12 SNew Jersey ■ 24 S/M ■ 6 S/MNew Mexico ■ 40 S/F ■ 15 S/FNew York ■ 35 S ■ 1222 SNorth Carolina ■ 1523 S ■ 1524 SNorth Dakota ■ 16 M ■ 8 M

Ohio None S ■ 20 S/M/TOklahoma None ~ None ~Oregon 26 None ~ None ~

Pennsylvania ■ 16027 S 32 SPuerto Rico ■ None S ■ None S



Tennessee None S/M ■ 15 S/MTexas 30 S30 ■ 16 S/M30

Utah ■ None S ■ 30 S/T

Vermont ■ 100 S ■ 64 SVirginia ■ 86 S ■ 12 S

Washington ■32 None S ■32 15 SWest Virginia ■ None S ■ None SWisconsin ■ 12 M ■ 12 MWyoming None ~ ■ 15 S


Legend:~=Not Applicable, N/S=None Stated,S=State, M=Local, F=Fees, T=Tuition, ■=Yes62 State Court Organization, 1998

Appellate Court JudgesInitial/Pre-Bench Education Continuing Education

RequiredMandated


Hours Sources of FundingAlabama None ~ None ~Alaska None S ■ None SArizona ■ ~5 ~ ■ 16 S/TArkansas 6 None S ■ 12 S

California ■ None S None SColorado 7 None ~ ■8 15 SConnecticut 11 None ~ 12 None ~

Delaware 13 None ~ ■ 30 SDistrict of Columbia 14 None ~ 14 None ~

Florida ■ 40 F ■ 10 F

Georgia None ~ ■ 12 S

Hawaii None ~ None ~

Idaho None ~ ■ None SIllinois None ~ None ~Indiana 16 None S ■ 36 S/TIowa None ~ ■ 15 S

Kansas None S ■ 12 SKentucky None ~ ■ 2518 S

Louisiana None ~ ■ 15 T

Maine 20 None ~ 20 None ~Maryland ■ None S ■ 28 SMassachusetts 21 None S 21 None SMichigan None ~ ■ 12 SMinnesota None S ■ 15 SMississippi ■ None S/F ■ 12 S/FMissouri None S 15 SMontana None ~ ■ 15 S

Nebraska None S None SNevada None ~ ■ 12 SNew Hampshire None ~ ■ 12 SNew Jersey None ~ ■ 15 SNew Mexico None ~ ■ 15 S/F/TNew York None ~ ■ 1222 SNorth Carolina None ~ ■ 1524 SNorth Dakota None ~ ■ 15 S

Ohio None S ■ 20 S/M/TOklahoma None ~ 12 SOregon None ~ ■ 45 T

Pennsylvania None ~ None ~Puerto Rico ■ None S ■ None S



Tennessee None S ■ 15 STexas 30 S ■ 16 S/M

Utah None ~ ■ 30 S

Vermont ■ 50 S ■31 64 SVirginia None ~ ■ 12 S

Washington None S None SWest Virginia None ~ None ~Wisconsin None S ■ 30 SWyoming None ~ ■ 15 S


Legend: ~=Not Applicable, N/S=None Stated,S=State, M=Local, F=Fees, T=Tuition, ■=Yes Judicial selection and service 63

FOOTNOTES:

Alaska:1Court conducts annual judicial training at the Judicial Conference—Mandatory. CLE credits given if curriculum is co-developed with Alaska Bar Association. Newjudges are sent to National Judicial College, if funding is available, in first year ofappointment to the bench.2Magistrates have in-state training course and annual conference.

Arizona:3One program—several days.4One program—several days.5Done individually—varies.

Arkansas:6AOC provides pre-bench training and all judges attend, but it is not required.

Colorado:7Initial/pre-bench education is a one-time training.8Continuing education is the requirement of the Colorado Bar Association, whichrequires forty-five hours every three years for all members.

Connecticut:9There is no credit based requirement in Connecticut.10Funding comes from a probate administration fund. This is public money.11Although not mandatory, many new appellate judges participate in initialappellate conferences/seminars.12Although not mandatory, many of the appellate judges attend the annual NewEngland Appellate Judges Conference.

Delaware:13Delaware is currently developing a pre-bench orientation program for newlyappointed judges.

District of Columbia:14By statute, the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court is required to hold an annualjudicial training conference.

Georgia:15Varies.

Indiana:16Initial or pre-bench education is not required, but is provided through the IndianaJudicial Center.

Iowa:17Offered but not required by law or rule. Most all new judges attend the two-dayin-state program and a three-week course at the National Judicial College.

Kentucky:18In a two-year period.

Louisiana:19Strongly encouraged, but not mandatory.

Maine:20Although neither pre-bench or continuing education is required, our JudicialEducation Committee budgets for our judges to attend courses at the NationalJudicial College and elsewhere and offers a number of seminars for the educationof judges.

Massachusetts:21The Judicial Institute, a statutory body integrated into the organization of theAdministrative Office of the Trial Court, conducts educational and trainingprograms. The Judicial Institute is funded by state appropriations. The FlaschnerInstitute, a non-governmental charitable corporation supported by contributions,grants and contracts, also conducts educational programs for MA judges. Whileno requirement for on-going judicial education exists, judges are mandated toparticipate in specified programs and courses developed and identified on thebasis of current and future needs of the system. The number of mandatedprograms varies each year.

New York:22Biannual cycle—24 hours are required every two years.

North Carolina:23Every judge in the general jurisdiction court and the limited jurisdiction court isrequired to attend a course of instructional orientation for new judges within thefirst year after appointment or election, which counts toward the thirty-hourbiennial continuing education requirements.24Every justice or judge is required to complete thirty hours biennially of continuinglegal or judicial education and at least twenty hours of it shall be judicialeducation.

Oregon:25Same for all lawyers/judges: a mandatory CLE requirement through state barand rules approved by state Supreme Court. No separate “judge” CLErequirement.26No, none mandatory; but AOC offers a two-week “New Judge Orientation”program that is strongly encouraged and most attend.

Pennsylvania:27Four-week certification course and test must be completed. Members of thePennsylvania Bar are exempt from the course and the test.

Rhode Island:28The pre-bench requirement is attendance at the National Judicial College.

South Carolina:29Annual Judicial Conference (8 hours).

Texas:30There is a $1.00 assessment in all criminal convictions. This money goes into afund, Fund 540, which is specifically allocated for Judicial and Court SupportPersonnel Training. The Court of Criminal Appeals includes in its appropriationsrequest to the legislature, a line item for Fund 540. These funds are thenavailable, through a grant application process, to various judicial education entitiesin the state.

Vermont:31Continuing education for appellate court judges, while not mandated, is availableand provided on an as-needed basis.

Washington:32Education requirements are set forth in judicial association by-laws. Nosanctions exist for non-compliance.

Table 11. Judicial Performance Evaluation

Legend: N/S=Not Stated64 State Court Organization, 1998

Evaluation CommitteeName/Authorization Evaluation Procedures Duties Membership

Alaska Alaska JudicialCouncil/Statutes:§22.05.100§22.07.060§22.10.150§22.15.155

Uses evaluation forms completed bycourt participants. Only judges up forretention election are evaluated.

The judicial council will conduct anevaluation of each judge in time forinclusion in the election pamphlet when ajudge is up for retention election. Thesepamphlets are mailed to every registeredAlaskan voter.

7 members: 3 state barappointed attorneys; 3 non-attorneys, and the ChiefJustice of the SupremeCourt.

Arizona Arizona Const.Art.6,Section 42

Anonymous survey forms distributedto court participants seekingevaluation of a judge’s abilities andskills (includes anonymous narrativecomments). Also public comment andhearings, all of which result in a factualreport issued in the judge’s electionyear.

Develop, review, and recommend writtenperformance standards by which judicialperformance is to be evaluated. Createand supervise a system of periodic reviewof judges. Identify areas in need ofimprovement. Request public commenton performance of all judges. Prepare areport for voters.

30 members: includes thepublic, lawyers, and judges.

Colorado StateCommission onJudicialPerformance/§13-5.5-101

State Commission (for appellatejudges) or District Commission (fortrial judges) prepares evaluation profileon each judge standing for re-electionand provides this to the public.

Develops techniques, guidelines, andforms for judicial evaluation anddissemination of information to public;develops and distributes surveys to courtparticipants, and promulgates rules foreffectuating duties. Performs judicialevaluations. Colo. Rev. Stat. §§13-5.5-103, 105.

10 members each: 4attorneys, 6 non-attorneys. 4 year terms.

Connecticut JudicialSelectionCommission/§51-44a

Investigation and interview of judge’sskills resulting in a recommendationfor reappointment or a hearing tofurther examine judge’s abilities.

Seeks qualified candidates for theGovernor to consider nomination;evaluates incumbent judges who seekreappointment.

12 members; six attorneysand six non-attorneysappointed by legislativeleaders.

District ofColumbia

D.C.Commission onJudicialDisabilities andTenure/Title 11Appx. IV433

Written evaluation when activeassociate judge declareshimself/herself a candidate, andrequests reappointment to anotherfifteen year term. Committee mustdetermine if he/she is well qualified(automatic reappointment); qualified(subject to nomination and approval);or unqualified.

The Commission’s jurisdiction embracesfour areas: (1) a judge’s conductwarranting disciplinary action, (2)involuntary retirement of a judge due to aphysical or mental disability, (3) evaluationof a judge at the end of his/her term andwho seeks reappointment to another term,(4) fitness review of a judge who retiresand wishes to continue his/her judicialservice as a senior judge.

7 members. All serve 6year terms except thePresident’s appointee whoserves a 5 year term. 1member is appointed by thePresident of the U.S.; 2 areappointed by the Mayor, 1 ofwhich must be an attorney;1 is appointed by the CityCouncil of D.C.; and 1 isappointed by the ChiefJudge of the U.S. DistrictCourt for D.C. All must beresidents of D.C.

Florida Joint project ofthe statejudiciary and theFlorida Bar;authorized by thesupreme court

A confidential means by whichattorneys can communicate perceivedstrengths and weaknesses of judicialperformance, thereby assisting thejudges in eliminating weaknesses andenhancing strengths. Participation isvoluntary

Committee developed the process only.The evaluation forms go directly to thejudge, no committee reviews theevaluations. The evaluations areconfidential under Florida Rule of JudicialAdministration 2.051(c)(4).

~

Hawaii JudicialPerformanceCommittee(Supreme Court,Rule 19)

Confidential attorney-completedquestionnaires.

To improve individual judges’performance; the provide information forretention and appointment decisions; tofacilitate the effective assignment ofjudges; to improve judicial educationprograms; to help the chief justice withadministrative responsibilities.

Supreme Court specialcommittee on judicialperformance; 13 membersappointed by the chiefjustice.


Legend: N/S=Not Stated Judicial selection and service 65


Illinois Planning andOversightCommittee for aJudicialPerformanceEvaluationProgram/SCR58

Must be confidential. Details ofevaluation procedure determined bycontractee (currently LoyolaUniversity).

Improvement of Judiciary as a wholethrough confidential evaluation. Contractsout actual evaluation (currently LoyolaUniversity).

N/S

Maryland JudicialAdministrationSection Council/State BarAssociation

Exit polling of attorneys Development and Implementation of anevaluation process

Eighteen members of theState Bar Association

Massachusetts Supreme JudicialCourt/ 211§26 to26b

Anonymous questionnaires given tocourt participants in a representativesample of cases. Completedevaluation shall be available to judgeand discussed with him.

Design and implement program forperformance evaluation of judges. Evaluate judges with 4 years experienceonce every 12-18 months, evaluate judgeswith > 4 years experience every 18-36months. Design programs for judges whodo not meet standards.

Supreme Judicial Court andChief Justice foradministration andmanagement.

Michigan Supreme Court/§600.238

Trial Court Performance StandardsCommission appointed by SupremeCourt to develop performancestandards.

Develop standards for evaluating courts. N/S

Minnesota Joint SupremeCourt,Conference ofChief Judges,and MinnesotaDistrict JudgesAssociationCommittee

Each judicial district has developed anindividualized process with varyingprocedures. All processes arevoluntary. The Appellate Court reviewprocess is expected to beimplemented in July 1999.

The joint committee offers technicalassistance to judges and districts.

Trial and appellate courtjudges

Nebraska State BarAssociation

Survey of attorneys N/S N/S

New Hampshire Trial CourtAdministrativeJudge

Anonymous questionnaires given tocourt staff and constituentssupplemented with self-assessmentquestionnaires. Administrative Judgereviews results with Judge beingevaluated.

Design and implement periodic judicialperformance evaluations; confer withevaluated judge, including recommendedchanges, training, and education

Administrative Judge

New Jersey JudicialPerformanceCommittee/ RGA1:35A-1

During review period for a judge (about9 months), anonymous surveys aresent to all attorneys who appearedbefore that judge and to appellatejudges who have heard a case fromthat judge.

Administer the Judicial PerformanceProgram; evaluate judges and educationalprograms to enable judges to improvetheir performance.

At least 6 judges, 3attorneys, 2 members ofpublic with additionalnumber of people fixed bySupreme Court 3-yearterms.

Puerto Rico JudicialEvaluationCommission

Evaluates judges every 3 years. Performs evaluations; surveys attorneys,peers, jurors, presiding judge, self-evaluation. Report is discussed withjudge. Report submitted to judge andused for self-improvement. Makesrecommendations on renomination,promotion to the Governors, andcontinuing education of judges. Evaluatesthe work, productivity and judiciary load ofthe courts.

9 members: supreme courtjudge; 1 memberexperienced inadministrative/managerial matters; and atleast 1 non-attorney; 3 yearterms.

Rhode Island JudicialPerformanceEvaluationCommittee

All judges evaluated biannuallyemploying “acceptable, professionallyrecognized methods of datacollection.”

Implement and administer the judicialperformance evaluation program. Goalsare to improve judiciary and judicialeducation programs.

6 judges; 3 members ofstate bar; 2 members ofpublic familiar with judicialsystem; 2 -year terms.


Legend: N/S=Not Stated66 State Court Organization, 1998


Tennessee JudicialEvaluationCommissionexpires6/30/2002/ §17-4-201; §4-29-223

All appellate judges evaluated usingresults of evaluation surveys, personalinformation in a self-reporting form,and any other comments/information. Final report of less than 600 words perjudge published not less than 180days before the qualifying deadline ina general circulation daily newspaperin specified parts of the state. Trialjudges evaluated for self-improvementonly.

Perform evaluations; submit reports topublic; conduct public interviews; submitcopies of evaluations to judges and allowresponse.

12 members: 4 state courtjudges; 2 non-lawyers; 3members appointed byspeaker of senate; 3members appointed byspeaker of house ofrepresentatives

Utah Utah JudicialCouncil withStandingCommittee onJudicialPerformanceEvaluation/ CJAR3-111CJA R3-110§78-3-21

Surveys attorneys and jurors,combines results with case underadvisement, rating compliance witheducation standards, the code ofjudicial conduct and the code ofjudicial administration, as well asphysical and mental competency toproduce evaluation for certification.

Determine if each judge meets standardsof performance, certify each judge who isentitled; notify judges not entitled tocertification; hold hearings with requestingjudges provide information to Office of Lt.Governor for publication in voterinformation pamphlet; provide informationto appointing authority for municipaljudges. Certify commissioners andremove those not entitled from office;Administer Judicial Evaluation Program.

14 members: Chief Justiceof Supreme Court; 12members to be elected byjudges of various courts;and 1 member of Board ofCommissioners. 3-yearterms.1

Vermont JudicialPerformanceEvaluationCommittee/Supreme Courtcharge anddesignation

Under development 2,3 2 2

Note: Only those states with judicial performance evaluation appear on this table.

FOOTNOTES:

Utah:1The evaluation of judges and court commissioners is conducted by the UtahJudicial Council. The Standing Committee on Judicial Performance Evaluation(SCJPE) administers the program and recommends policies and procedures forthe program. The membership of the SCJPE is 2 lawyers, one of whom serves aschair, 3 members of the public, 1 court commissioner and one judge from each offive levels of court.

Vermont2A pilot program was implemented. The Judicial Performance EvaluationCommittee is now reviewing the results of the pilot program.3The pilot program used attorney questionnaires, litigant exit surveys, self-assessment, and caseload management reports.

Table 12. Judicial Discipline: Investigating and Adjudicating Bodies


Number of:

Investigating Body Judges LawyersLay

Persons Adjudicating Body

Appeals fromAdjudication AreFiled with:

Name of FinalDiscipliningBody

Point at WhichReprimands AreMade Public

Alabama Judicial InquiryCommittee

3 2 2 Court of theJudiciary

Supreme Court Court of theJudiciary

Filing ofcomplaint withCourt of theJudiciary

Alaska Committee onJudicial Conduct

3 3 3 Supreme Court ~ SupremeCourt

Filing ofrecommendationwith SupremeCourt

Arizona Commission onJudicial Conduct

6 2 3 Commission onJudicial Conduct

No appeal SupremeCourt

Commission onJudicial Conductdetermines ifthere is probablecause to bringformal charges.

Arkansas Judicial Disciplineand DisabilityCommittees

3 3 3 Commission Supreme Court SupremeCourt

At disposition ofcase

California Committee onJudicialPerformance

5 2 2 Supreme Court No appeal SupremeCourt

Upon filing ofrecord bycommittee withSupreme Court

Colorado Committee onJudicial Discipline

4 2 4 Commission onJudicial Discipline

No appeal SupremeCourt

Adjudication

Connecticut Judicial ReviewCouncil

Council on ProbateJudicial Conduct

3

2

3

1

6

2

Judicial ReviewCouncil; SupremeCourt

Council on ProbateJudicial Conduct

Supreme Court

Supreme Court

SupremeCourt

SupremeCourt

Public censure isissued at least 10days after noticeto the judge,provided that ifthe judgeappeals, there isan automatic stayof disclosure.

Delaware PreliminaryCommittee of theCourt on theJudiciary

InvestigatoryCommittee of theCourt on theJudiciary

0

7

4

0

2

0

Court on theJudiciary

No appeal Court on theJudiciary

Upon issuance ofopinion andimposition ofsanction

District ofColumbia

Commission onJudicial Disabilitiesand Tenure

11 41 21 Commission onJudicial Disabilitiesand Tenure

Federal judgepanel 3appointments bychief justice ofSupreme Court

Committee onJudicial.Disabilitiesand Tenure

Filing of orderwith D.C. Court ofAppeals 2

Florida JudicialQualificationsCommission

63 2 5 JudicialQualificationsCommission4

No appeal SupremeCourt5

Filing of formalcharges byCommittee withSupreme CourtClerk

Georgia JudicialQualificationsCommission


Formal Hearing



Number of:






Hawaii Commission onJudicial Conduct


Imposition ofpublic disciplineby SupremeCourt

Idaho Judicial Council 2 2 3 Supreme Court No appeal SupremeCourt

Filing withSupreme Court

Illinois Judicial InquiryBoard

2 3 4 Courts Commission No appeal CourtsCommission

Filing ofcomplaint byJudicial InquiryBoard to CourtsCommission

Indiana JudicialQualificationsCommittee


Institution ofFormalProceedings

Iowa Commission onJudicialQualifications


Application by thecommission tothe SupremeCourt

Kansas Commission onJudicialQualifications

4 3 2 Supreme Court Supreme Court SupremeCourt

Reprimand ispublished bySupreme court ifapproved bySupreme Court.

Kentucky Judicial Retirementand RemovalCommission

3 1 2 Judicial Retirementand RemovalCommission

Supreme Court JudicialRetirementand RemovalCommission

Application ofjudge underinvestigation

Louisiana JudiciaryCommission


After finaldisposition bySupreme Court

Maine Committee onJudicialResponsibility andDisability

2 2 3 Supreme JudicialCourt

No appeal SupremeJudicial Court

Filing of report toSupreme JudicialCourt

Maryland Commission onJudicial Disabilities

4 2 1 Court of Appeals ~ Court ofAppeals

Filing of record byCommittee toCourt of Appeals

Massachusetts Commission onJudicial Conduct

3 3 3 Supreme JudicialCourt

~ SupremeJudicial Court

After finaldisposition ofcomplaint

Michigan Judicial TenureCommission


Filing of formalcomplaint bycommission withSupreme Court

Minnesota Board of JudicialStandards


Filing of formalcharges byCommittee withSupreme Court

Mississippi Commission onJudicialPerformance


Recommendationof Commission toSupreme Court



Number of:






Missouri Commission onRetirement,Removal andDiscipline

2 2 2 Commission onRetirement,Removal andDiscipline

Supreme Court SupremeCourt

Filing ofrecommendationby Committee toSupreme Court

Montana Judicial StandardsCommission


Filing of record byCommittee withSupreme Court

Nebraska Commission onJudicialQualification

4 3 3 Supreme Court No appeals SupremeCourt

Filing ofcomplaintinstigating formalhearing

Nevada Commission onJudicial Discipline

2 2 3 Commission onJudicial Discipline

Supreme Court Commissionon JudicialDiscipline

Upon filing ofreport byCommittee andservice uponjudge

NewHampshire

Committee onJudicial Conduct


Final writtenopinion andjudgmentorderingdisciplinary actionor if subject of thecomplaint hasreceived a total ofthree or moreprivatereprimands, orother informaladjustmentsduring the fouryears precedingthe filing of themost recentcomplaint

New Jersey AdvisoryCommittee onJudicial Conduct

2 (retired) 3 (min) 4 (max) Supreme Court ~ SupremeCourt

Filing ofpresentment byCommittee withSupreme Court

New Mexico Judicial StandardsCommission


Filing of record byCommission withSupreme Court

New York Commission onJudicial Conduct

4 1 2 Commission onJudicial Conduct

Court of Appeals Commissionon JudicialConduct andCourt ofAppeals

Completion ofservice of recordon respondent

North Carolina Judicial StandardsCommission

3 2 2 Supreme Court No appeals Supreme Court

Uponrecommendationof Commission toSupreme Court

North Dakota Commission onJudicial Conduct


At formal hearing



Number of:






Ohio Board ofCommissioners onGrievance andDiscipline 6

7 17 4 Board ofCommissioners onGrievance andDiscipline


Adjudication

Court on theJudiciary TrialDivision Council

8 1 0 Court on theJudiciary TrialDivision

Court on theJudiciaryDivision

Oklahoma

Council on JudicialComplaints

0 2 1 Council on JudicialComplaints

no appeal

Court on theJudiciaryAppellateDivision

Filing with clerk ofthe AppellateCourt

Oregon Commission ofJudicial Fitness andDisability

3 3 3 Commission onJudicial Fitness andDisability

Supreme Court Commissionon JudicialFitness andDisabilityw/SupremeCourt

Recommendedby Commission toSupreme Court

Pennsylvania Judicial Inquiry andReview Board

3 1 1 Judicial Inquiry andReview Board


Recommendedby Judicial Inquiryand ReviewBoard

Puerto Rico Disciplinary andServiceCommission

~ 5 1 Supreme Court ~ SupremeCourt

Filing of formalcomplaint byAttorney Generalwith DisciplineCommission

Rhode Island Commission onJudicial Tenure andDiscipline

4 (+3 fromGeneral

Assembly)

3 3 Supreme Court No appeals SupremeCourt

When SupremeCourt affirms arecommendationfor reprimand orremoval

South Carolina Board ofCommissioners onJudicial Standards


Adjudication

South Dakota JudicialQualificationsCommission

2 3 2 Supreme Court No appeals SupremeCourt

Filing with theSupreme Court

Tennessee Court of theJudiciary

9 3 2 Court of theJudiciary

Supreme Court,then GeneralAssembly

Court of theJudiciary

Filing ofcomplaint inAppellate CourtClerk's office

Texas State Commissionon Judicial Conduct

5 2 4 Supreme Court,Commission onJudicial Conduct, orreview tribunalconsisting ofJustices of Courtsof Appeals

Supreme Court Supreme Ct.Committee onJudicialConduct, orreview tribunalconsisting ofJustices of theCourts ofAppeals

Convening offormal hearing bythe Commissionon JudicialConduct

Utah Judicial ConductCommission


After finaldisposition

Vermont Judicial ConductBoard


Filing of formalcharges by Boardwith SupremeCourt



Number of:






Virginia Judicial Inquiry andReviewCommission


Filing of formalcomplaint byCommittee withSupreme Court

Washington Commission onJudicial Conduct

3 2 6 Supreme Court No appeal Committee onJudicialConduct orSupremeCourt

Beginning of factfinding hearing byCommittee

West Virginia JudicialInvestigationCommittee andJudicial HearingBoard

2 (+ onemagistrate

+ onefamily lawmaster)

2 3 Judicial HearingBoard (JHB)

JHBrecommends toSCA8

SupremeCourt ofAppeals8

Upon decision bySupreme Court ofAppeals

Wisconsin JudicialCommission

2 2 5 Supreme Court9 No appeal SupremeCourt

Filing of petitionerformal complaintby JudicialCommissionw/Supreme Court

Wyoming JudicialSupervisoryCommission


Filing withSupreme Court

Federal Chief judges andjudicial councils ofrespective circuits10

Varies 0 0 Chief judges andjudicial councils ofrespective circuits10

Judicial councilsof respectivecircuits andjudicialconference ofUS10

Judicialcouncils ofrespectivecircuits andjudicialconference ofUS10

After finaldisposition(a)

FOOTNOTES

District of Columbia:1Plus 3 alternates, 1 from each category.

2Only in cases involving removal or suspension wherein the Chief Justice appointsa 3 member federal judge panel to review commission's recommendations.

Florida:3Two judges of each of the District Courts of Appeal, Circuit, and County courts.

4The Judicial Qualifications Commission investigates and recommends to theSupreme Court for discipline or removal.5The Supreme Court power of removal is alternative and cumulative to the powerof impeachment and suspension by the Governor and senate.

Ohio:6Initial review by panel of 3 commissioners.

Utah:7 Supreme Court, at its discretion, may include 2 members of House, and 3special members.

West Virginia:8Same for both the Commission and Judicial Hearing Board.

Wisconsin:9The Judicial Conduct and Disability Panel, through an ad hoc 3-judge panel (2must be Court of Appeals, 1 can be a retired, reserve judge or Court of Appealsjudge) appointed as a hearing examiner, makes a report to the Supreme Court.

Federal :10The Chief Judge of the federal judicial circuit renders the initial determinationwhether a complaint will be dismissed or investigated. The judicial council for thecircuit reviews chief judge dismissals and adjudicates whether and what disciplineis appropriate regarding an investigated complaint. The Judicial Conference ofthe United States, through a standing committee, reviews circuit judicial councilresolutions following investigation.

Documents

Bureau of Justice Statistics State Court Organization 1998 · Court structure. This file represents one section (Part 2) of the report. The full rep ... Alaska Supreme Court, Court